Wastewater management is crucial for maintaining a healthy community and pristine environment. Through technological advancements and strategic infrastructure investments, Austin Water is committed to providing sustainable wastewater treatment. With the community’s help, the entire wastewater collection system will work the way it should and last for years to come.

“Austin’s waterways are a precious resource, and Austin Water is committed to protecting our environment so that we can enjoy it now and in the future,” Assistant Director of Operations Ayman Benyamin said. “The cleaner we keep our collection system, the safer environment we will have.”

How it works

Wastewater is the water that goes down the drain from washing dishes, or doing laundry, or flushing toilets. But it must be cleaned before it can return to the Colorado River system and begin the water cycle all over again.

Wastewater treatment involves separating solids from water to ensure the cleanest possible discharge into streams.

The process begins with screening out solids, followed by removal of smaller grit material and clarifying cloudy water to settle out inorganic matter. These solids are treated in aeration basins with bacteria. The water itself is then filtered, disinfected and dechlorinated before being released back to the Colorado River. Before that happens, Austin Water ensures that it meets Environmental Protection Agency standards and will not harm the environment.

Why it matters

Treated wastewater is often cleaner than the receiving water bodies. These extra “flows” support aquatic ecosystems and provide a reliable source for individuals in other communities.

“Our treated wastewater is the water source for people downstream of Austin,” Benyamin said. “By treating wastewater to the highest quality possible, we're providing a safe drinking water supply for those communities.”

In addition, this treatment process prevents the spread of pathogens and keeps local bodies of water safe for recreational use.

How residents can help

Community participation is crucial for maintaining the wastewater system. Simple actions, such as disposing of grease, oils and flushable wipes in the trash rather than down the drain, can prevent blockages and overflows.

“Wastewater treatment is a very expensive process,” Benyamin said. “ Use your garbage can more than flushing for things like grease, oils, and wipes – don’t flush them or pour them down the drain. That simple step will help a lot in making our treatment more robust, help our system be more efficient and will ultimately save the customer money.”

In addition, Austin Water’s GoPurple initiative encourages the use of reclaimed water from wastewater and reduces the demand for drinking water for uses that don’t require that level of treatment. High-usage customers, such as power plants, golf courses and high-rise buildings, utilize treated wastewater for nonpotable purposes like watering landscapes and flushing toilets. This initiative has significantly reduced per capita water usage in Austin, contributing to the city's conservation goals.

"Austin's per capita water use was 180 gallons per day in the 1990s,” Benyamin said. “Now, we're down to 121 gallons per day, and using purple pipe in more areas can help us reduce that number even further.”

Looking ahead

With Austin's population rapidly increasing, expanding the wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential. The Walnut Creek Treatment Plant expansion project addresses this need.

Benyamin said the expansion of the treatment plant serves two main purposes: accommodating Austin's growing population by increasing capacity and meeting new treatment technology requirements set by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. These enhanced treatment processes require converting the entire facility to use biological nutrient removal technology.

Learn more

To find out more about wastewater treatment, visit Austin Water’s website.

The above story was produced by Multi-platform Journalist Mary Katherine Shapiro with Community Impact's Storytelling team with information solely provided by the local business as part of their "sponsored content" purchase through our advertising team.