The water treatment plant near Boerne City Lake is set for an expansion, increasing water production and quality for city water users.

What’s happening?

Boerne City Council on Nov. 18 reviewed the pilot study for a new treatment plant construction at the city lake site.

The original plant was constructed in 1978, with area residents using groundwater prior to lake use, Utilities Director Michael Mann said.

Mann said the plant expansion would help meet regulatory requirements from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, targeting chemicals such as Geosmin, an organic compound that gives water an earthy taste and smell.

To meet peak demand needs and accommodate future growth, the plants need to produce a projected 3.1 million gallons per day, Mann said.

“Right now our plant can only produce 1.3-1.5 million gallons today, and we need to augment that,” he said.

The existing system treats water with the following process, and a new filter is under design:

• Raw water intake
• Chemicals
• Clarifier
• Pressure filter
• Clearwell
• Granular Activated Carbon Filter (under design)

The new plant will utilize new systems to treat city water, including:

• Raw water intake
• Chemicals
• Clarifier
• Ozone
• Biologically active filter
• Clearwell

The cost of the new plant is around $24.2 million and is planned to be operational by 2030. Funding for the facility is planned to be gained through impact fees and revenue bonds. Mann said the cost could be reduced since an additional intake may not have to be constructed.

The new facility will also be expandable to future-proof water needs in the city. Mann said over the next 15-25 years, the original plant is likely to need replacing, meaning the city will pursue an additional expansion at that time.