Description

The existing wastewater infrastructure in The Woodlands is aging with certain treatment and conveyance components expected to reach the end of their useful life in the coming decade. Improvements must be made, and actions must be taken to maintain the level of service (LoS) expected by San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) customers.

In March 2023, SJRA completed the initial phase of The Woodlands Wastewater Strategic Plan, which laid out a phased approach to maintaining the desired level of service in The Woodlands. The report also defined a project to replace the aging infrastructure of Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) No. 1. In January 2024, SJRA completed a Facility Master Plan for a new Water Reclamation Facility (WRF) to be located at and adjacent to the existing WWTF No. 1. The current proposed average annual daily flow capacity for the new facility is 7.0 million gallons per day (MGD) with a wet weather peak flow of 18 MGD. The facility master plan was based around a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) treatment process.

An additional study is being completed to compare additional short-listed alternatives for renewal/replacement of WWTF No. 1. Additionally, WWA is verifying contractual requirements to support the flow basis for the facility. The SJRA will continue to work alongside and coordinate with WWA and the MUDs to determine the best valued alternative to move forward with. Land acquisition will be required in order to construct new facilities.