This year, Austin Water is starting construction on a $1.5 billion expansion and modernization project at Walnut Creek, adding 25 million gallons of daily treatment capacity to serve more than 1 million people across the Austin area and maintain reliable wastewater service for years to come.
With these investments, every part of the treatment process will be enhanced and upgraded, and we will be prepared to serve the growing needs of our City.
— Shay Ralls Roalson, Director, Austin Water
The existing plant came online in 1977 and is currently permitted to treat 75 million gallons per day. Flows into the plant exceeded 75% of total treatment capacity in 2015 and surpassed 90% of capacity for three months in 2024, triggering state requirements to expand the facility.