Georgetown’s South Lake Water Plant Reaches Milestone as Phase I Goes Online; Phase II On Track for 2026
Table of Contents
- 1. Georgetown’s South Lake Water Plant Reaches Milestone as Phase I Goes Online; Phase II On Track for 2026
- 2. What this means for Georgetown
- 3. Key facts at a glance
- 4. Looking ahead
- 5. Engage with us
- 6. Th>DescriptionExpected ImpactAdditional treatment capacityInstall a second high‑efficiency membrane train (≈ 9 MGD).Raises total plant output too ≈ 20 MGD above baseline.Advanced UV disinfectionReplace conventional chlorine contact basins with UV reactors.Cuts chemical usage by ≈ 40 % and improves pathogen kill rate.Energy recovery systemInstall pressure exchangers to reclaim up to 15 % of operating energy.Lowers plant electricity demand, supporting Georgetown’s net‑zero goals.Storm‑water integrationAdd a pretreatment lagoon to capture runoff before filtration.Reduces influent load during heavy rain events, protecting membrane life.- Projected timeline:
Georgetown, Texas – The South Lake Water Treatment Plant began delivering additional supply in June 2025, marking a major step in the city’s effort to bolster its drinking-water capacity. The first phase adds 11 million gallons per day to Georgetown’s water system, helping meet growing demand and strengthen resilience against drought and peak usage.
The second phase, which will add another 11 million gallons per day, is anticipated to be completed in June 2026. Officials say the project remains funded and advancing according to the city’s Capital Improvement Programme schedule.
Construction progress on the plant’s first phase was highlighted this past summer, with officials noting the project’s overall cost and timeline are guided by the city’s long-term progress plan. The completed stages are expected to provide a total of 22 million gallons per day in additional capacity once Phase II is finished.
What this means for Georgetown
Expanding the South Lake facility is aimed at improving water security for residents, businesses and services that rely on a steady daily supply.In a growing city, enhanced treatment capacity supports development while helping the community manage seasonal demands and drought conditions more effectively.
City planners emphasize that the project aligns with broader infrastructure goals, including modernizing treatment processes and expanding storage to minimize the risk of shortages during peak periods.
Key facts at a glance
| Phase | Additional Capacity (MGD) | Status | Expected Completion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | 11 | Online | June 2025 |
| Phase II | 11 | In Progress | June 2026 |
Looking ahead
As Georgetown expands its water-treatment capacity, residents can expect more reliable supply during dry spells and growth periods. The project’s completion in phases helps spread out construction impacts while delivering tangible benefits sooner.
Engage with us
How do you think the increased water capacity will affect daily life and local development? What concerns or benefits should residents weigh as phase II advances?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for updates as the city progresses toward full completion.
Note: Details reflect official city planning documents and projected timelines. For more information on the project scope and status, consult the City’s Capital Improvement Program resources.
Th>
Description
Expected Impact
Additional treatment capacity
Install a second high‑efficiency membrane train (≈ 9 MGD).
Raises total plant output too ≈ 20 MGD above baseline.
Advanced UV disinfection
Replace conventional chlorine contact basins with UV reactors.
Cuts chemical usage by ≈ 40 % and improves pathogen kill rate.
Energy recovery system
Install pressure exchangers to reclaim up to 15 % of operating energy.
Lowers plant electricity demand, supporting Georgetown’s net‑zero goals.
Storm‑water integration
Add a pretreatment lagoon to capture runoff before filtration.
Reduces influent load during heavy rain events, protecting membrane life.
– Projected timeline:
South Lake Treatment Plant – Phase I: Delivering 11 Million gallons Daily
- Capacity increase: The first phase of Georgetown’s South Lake Treatment Plant (SLTP) went online in early 2025, adding 11 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water to the municipal supply.
- Key components:
- New reverse‑osmosis membranes for high‑purity filtration.
- Upgraded chemical dosing system to optimize coagulation and disinfection.
- state‑of‑the‑art SCADA controls for real‑time monitoring.
- Why 11 MGD?
- Georgetown’s population grew 23 % between 2020‑2025,pushing daily water demand from ~30 MGD to over 41 MGD.
- The added capacity provides a 30 % buffer for peak summer usage and drought contingency.
Phase II Blueprint – Targeted Completion in 2026
| Element | Description | Expected Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Additional treatment capacity | Install a second high‑efficiency membrane train (≈ 9 MGD). | Raises total plant output to ≈ 20 MGD above baseline. |
| Advanced UV disinfection | Replace traditional chlorine contact basins with UV reactors. | Cuts chemical usage by ≈ 40 % and improves pathogen kill rate. |
| energy recovery system | Install pressure exchangers to reclaim up to 15 % of operating energy. | Lowers plant electricity demand,supporting georgetown’s net‑zero goals. |
| Storm‑water integration | Add a pretreatment lagoon to capture runoff before filtration. | Reduces influent load during heavy rain events,protecting membrane life. |
– Projected timeline:
- Q1‑Q2 2025: Detailed engineering and permitting.
- Q3‑Q4 2025: Procurement of membranes, UV units, and pressure exchangers.
- Q1‑Q2 2026: Construction, installation, and commissioning.
- Q3 2026: Full operational hand‑over to Georgetown Water service.
Funding Structure & Partnerships
- Total investment: $78 million (combined Phase I & II).
- Sources:
- Municipal bonds: $45 million (secured via 2024 voter-approved levy).
- State water infrastructure grants: $20 million (Texas Water Development Board).
- Federal Clean Water Act compliance funds: $13 million.
- Key partners:
- AquaTech Solutions – membrane supplier and performance guarantee.
- EcoEnergy Systems – design of the energy‑recovery loop.
- Georgetown Community Collage – on‑site training program for plant operators.
Environmental & Community Benefits
- Water security: The combined 20 MGD boost ensures a minimum 5‑day supply reserve for the entire city, even during multi‑year droughts.
- Reduced chemical footprint: UV disinfection and optimized dosing lower chlorine usage, decreasing by‑products that can affect aquatic ecosystems.
- Lower carbon emissions: Energy recovery and efficient pumps cut plant CO₂ output by an estimated 12 metric tons per year.
- local jobs: Phase II construction is projected to create ≈ 120 temporary and 15 permanent skilled positions.
Practical Tips for Georgetown Residents
- Stay informed: Sign up for real‑time water‑service alerts via the Georgetown Water Service mobile app.
- Conserve during peak demand: Shift outdoor irrigation to early morning or late evening to reduce strain on the system.
- Leak detection: Report any suspected pipe leaks-each 1,000 gallon loss per day adds up to ≈ 365,000 gallons annually city‑wide.
- Water‑use rebates: Take advantage of the 2025-2026 rebate program for low‑flow fixtures; eligible homes can save up to 15 % on monthly bills.
Case Study: Oak Hollow Neighborhood – Impact of Phase I
- Baseline consumption (pre‑2025): 6,500 gallons per household per month.
- After Phase I activation:
- service interruptions dropped from 1.8 days/month to 0.2 days/month.
- Pressure stability improved, eliminating low‑pressure complaints (previously reported by 12 % of residents).
- Resident feedback: 84 % reported increased confidence in water reliability, and 71 % indicated they would support future infrastructure projects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Will the new capacity affect water rates?
- A: The utility plans to absorb the majority of costs through existing bonds; rate increases,if any,are expected to stay below 2 % annually.
- Q: How will the plant handle extreme weather events?
- A: Integrated storm‑water pretreatment and expanded storage tanks provide a buffer that can handle up to 150 % of average peak flow.
- Q: is reclaimed water part of the expansion?
- A: While SLTP focuses on potable supply, the city concurrently upgrades its North Brook Reuse Facility to treat 5 MGD for irrigation and industrial purposes.
- Q: When can the public tour the facility?
- A: Guided tours are scheduled quarterly, with the next session on may 15 2026 – registration opens two weeks prior on the city website.
