The location of WTP 4 on a heavily wooded hillside offers opportunities for architectural design that are in harmony with the natural landscape. The nature of the foliage is such that many structures on the site will be partially obscured year round from many vantage points. Visible buildings will be designed in such a way to blend in with the natural environment as much as possible through the use of limestone to match the natural limestone outcroppings that are an integral part of the Texas Hill Country.

Why does Austin Water Utility need another treatment plant?

Population growth

Projections by Austin Water indicate that the demand for water will increase along with the population. Growth projections for the City of Austin predict that the population will increase by 500,000 people by the year 2040.

Energy Savings/Climate Protection

Water Treatment Plant No. 4 (WTP4) will draw water from Lake Travis rather than Lake Austin. The higher elevation of Lake Travis means the utility will rely mostly on gravity to distribute the water, not electric pumps. This translates into energy savings of 20,000 megawatt hours annually, enough to provide electricity to over 2,000 homes for a year.

By delivering water from WTP4 rather than Davis WTP on Lake Austin to the same service areas, AWU estimates greenhouse gas reductions of 13 percent from the day the new plant opens in 2014.

System Reliability

Austin currently has just two operating water treatment plants. The Green Water Treatment plant—built in 1924 was decommissioned last year. While Davis and Ulrich plants can handle Austin’s current water needs, the system needs another plant to ensure reliability.

Excellent time to build

The current economic environment is very favorable for receiving highly competitive bids for the project. By beginning construction now, AWU would create thousands of jobs and strengthen the local economy.

Facility Maps / Design Considerations

Architectural Renderings