The breakdown
In an effort to stay ahead of future capacity needs, the city of Pflugerville has been pushing forward several water and wastewater projects in recent years. Mayor Victor Gonzalez also said during his State of the City address May 2, the city will continue its efforts in water and wastewater planning, expecting an investment of over $1 billion in projects over the next five years.
1. Water Treatment Plant Expansion
The water treatment plant expansion, currently under construction, is 33% complete, Pritchett said.
The $144 million project is expected to nearly double the plant’s capacity, from 17 to 30 million gallons per day.
This expansion will allow the city to keep up with projected water demand through 2040, Pritchett previously told Community Impact.
Funding for the project includes $24 million from low-interest loans through the Texas Water Development Board and a $52 million Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act loan—a federal credit program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
The remainder of funding comes from city impact fees, cash reserves and future debt issuances, according to city staff.
Contractors broke ground on the water treatment plant expansion in March 2023 and construction is expected to be completed by March 2026.
2. Wilbarger Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility
Construction on the Wilbarger Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility is expected to break ground this fall. The project is intended to serve anticipated growth on the eastern side of the city, ultimately increasing the city’s wastewater service area, Pritchett said.
City Council initially approved plans in July 2022 for the estimated $200 million wastewater expansion, which includes a new treatment facility and 15,300 feet of new wastewater lines in Pflugerville.
The Wilbarger project, located on a 159-acre tract of land near Wilbarger Creek north of Gregg Lane, is funded through both state and federal financial assistance.
In January, the city authorized the third sale and final issuance of $164 million in bond funds to the Texas Water Development Board.
The city has secured the majority of the funding for this project through low-interest loans from the TWDB in the amount of $123.4 million and is estimated to close on an additional low-interest loan for $118.6 million through a federal credit program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, according to city staff.
Wastewater has been listed as one of the highest priorities for the Pflugerville residents in a recent city survey.
3. Secondary Colorado River Raw Water Line
The city is also expected to break ground on the Secondary Colorado River Raw Water Line this fall. The project includes a 15-mile pipeline running from south Austin to Lake Pflugerville.
The line will double the available water supply from the Lower Colorado River Authority to Pflugerville, according to city documents.
The project included significant appraisal work, involving the appraisal of 89 total parcels of land to make way for permanent and temporary access for construction of the pipeline, according to city documents.
In addition, the city had to negotiate terms with the Lower Colorado River Authority, paying $930,000 to reserve the increased capacity allowance.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $131.5 million, with 49% expected to be funded by a loan financed through a federal credit program administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
The remaining of the cost will be funded from local sources including impact fees, cash reserves and future debt issuances.
