Georgetown city officials, PLW Waterworks, CDM Smith and others broke ground on the new South Lake Water Plant on May 10.

City Council originally approved the $175.3 million contract with PLW Waterworks for the construction of the plant and an additional $1.8 million with CDM Smith for the design work of a wastewater line in March.

The new plant will double the treatment capacity of the water utility with planned construction completion in two phases from 2025-26.

The project in its entirety includes the water treatment facility as well as a raw water intake on Lake Georgetown and a raw water transmission line.

Other elements of the project include an administration building that houses a secondary control center, process control labs, and additional office and administration space.

“With more than 5,000 new residents coming to Georgetown last year, the demand for water continues to increase rapidly,” Mayor Josh Schroeder said in a news release. “As a result, the City Council voted to accelerate the schedule for this new water treatment plant. In doubling the treatment capacity of our water utility with this plant, we will be ready to serve the water needs of our growing city.”

The project will be funded by water utility revenues.

Impact fees paid by developers of new homes as well as utility revenues from water bills will fund the 30-year revenue bonds for the new plant.