Learn the latest updates on three New Braunfels Utilities projects in the works, according to information provided by NBU's communications team.

Wastewater

McKenzie Water Reclamation Facility Expansion

The plant’s treatment capacity will expand from 2.5 million gallons per day, or MGD, to 5 MGD. This will provide capacity for ongoing and future growth. The McKenzie basin is the largest and fastest-growing basin NBU serves and encompasses the Mayfair development.
  • Update: 62% complete
  • Timeline: Completion in November 2026
  • Cost: The $91.88 million project has an anticipated expenditure of $24.25 million in NBU’s fiscal year 2025-26 budget.
  • Funding source: FY 2025-26 budget
The McKenzie Water Reclamation Facility Expansion will increase the plant's treatment capacity to 5 million gallons per day. (Courtesy New Braunfels Utilities)
The McKenzie Water Reclamation Facility Expansion will increase the plant's treatment capacity to 5 million gallons per day. (Courtesy New Braunfels Utilities)


Water


Wood Meadows

A new 16-inch waterline will be installed under the Guadalupe River, replacing an old 8-inch and 12-inch waterlines that have reached the end of their service life.
  • Update: The project is 75% complete and four months ahead of schedule. The waterline has been drilled under the river and is currently being tied into NBU’s water system. An 8-inch waterline still needs to be extended on one side of the river.
  • Timeline: July-December
  • Cost: The project has an anticipated expenditure of $2.4 million in NBU’s FY 2025-26 budget.
  • Funding source: FY 2025-26 budget
A quick note

Since the Wood Meadows project began in July and is expected to conclude in December, the FY 2025-26 budget amount represents the most accurate estimate of the project's cost, NBU Senior Communications Specialist Charlcee Cervantez said in an email to Community Impact.

Electric


Hueco Springs Substation and Feeders

NBU identified the need to construct an additional distribution substation along River Road and Edwards Boulevard. The substation site is adjacent to an existing Lower Colorado River Authority Transmission Services Corporation looped transmission line.

The substation is master-planned for two power transformers and six distribution feeders as opposed to one power transformer and three feeders. The project will also create several switching ties to adjacent substations. Officials said this will allow for system resiliency—leading to fewer and shorter outages for utility customers.
  • Update: 75% complete
  • Timeline: Completion in May
  • Cost: The $14.22 million project has an anticipated expenditure of $6.49 million in NBU’s FY 2025-26 budget.
  • Funding source: FY 2025-26 budget