The City of Marble Falls was informed on October 15, 2024, that it received approval for a critical Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) permit, allowing it to proceed with constructing the One Water Reclamation Facility. This state-of-the-art facility is a key part of the city’s long-term strategy to enhance water management, address growing demands, and ensure the sustainability of our water supply for generations to come. The new reclamation facility will provide flood protection to the wastewater system, provide capacity for growth and ensure water sustainability.
The City anticipates that the final financing components will occur in December of 2024, with the potential for additional grant money.
The One Water Reclamation Facility will double the city’s current wastewater treatment capacity to 3 million gallons per day (mgd), with the potential for future expansion to 4 mgd. This innovative facility will initially treat and recycle water for non-drinking purposes, including irrigation of parks and green spaces through the city’s Purple Pipe system. Future phases of One Water will include piloting and building an advanced purification plant on the site to treat and recycle water to meet drinking water standards. This will provide the City with an additional water resource, improving resilience against drought conditions and future water shortages.
The One Water Reclamation Facility is being financed through a mix of state, federal, and local funds totaling $86 million. Building a new water reclamation facility is the most cost-effective solution to increase wastewater treatment capacity, ensure reliable service, and pave the way for future water recycling initiatives. Currently, the funding breakdown includes:
- $38.5 million in state and federal grants
- $40.9 million in low-interest loans through the Texas Water Development Board
- $4 million from local funds
- $3 million in 0% interest loans
“We are proud to take this important step forward in securing a sustainable water future for Marble Falls,” said Mayor Dave Rhodes. “The One Water Reclamation Facility represents a significant investment in our city’s infrastructure, helping us meet the demands of our growing population while safeguarding our water resources.”
Construction is expected to begin in early 2025 and be completed by the end of 2027. Once operational, the new facility will replace the existing wastewater plant, with both facilities briefly running in tandem to ensure a smooth transition. The repayment of loans has already been factored into future water rate schedules, ensuring minimal impact on residents.
