AWWA SOURCES59180

New Braunfels Utilities supplies water, wastewater and electric power services to theCity of New Braunfels, Texas and surrounding properties. Until development of the firstsurface water treatment plant ten years ago, New Braunfels relied on the EdwardsAquifer as its sole source of drinking water. While reliance on the Edwards is diminishedby use of surface water, more water is needed to support the growth of this popularCentral Texas Community. The largest industry in the area, a local aggregates company,has an Edwards Aquifer Authority Permit to withdraw 5,000 acre-feet (AF) per year ofEdwards Aquifer water for industrial uses. This water is used in their quarry operationsfor dust control, aggregate washing, and wheel washing before trucks leave the property.New Braunfels Utilities is studying the feasibility of supplying recycled water to thequarry for these non-potable quarry uses. One concept being considered is to exchangethe quarries 5,000 AF allocation of Edwards Aquifer water rights for municipal purposes.This paper presents results of the Feasibility Study and interaction withmultiple regulatory authorities. The Study also considered the potential to supplyanother industrial Power Company with recycled water for cooling. The mechanics ofsupplying most of the quarry needs with the diurnal flow variation from the two NewBraunfels Wastewater Treatment Plants could easily be resolved. The significant issuesto address are public and regulatory perception of use of recycled water over an area inimmediate proximity to the Comal Springs, the headwaters of the Guadalupe River, andhome of several federally protected species. This Study identifies the positive aspects tobe derived which include: increased spring flow by reduced pumping at the quarry;reduced pollutant loading of the Guadalupe River and Lake Dunlap below the NBUdischarge; delay in expenditures for additional surface water resources; and, delay incapital improvements for larger, higher quality wastewater treatment plants. Cost andimplementation schedule of the project are presented along with lessons learnedthrough the project. Includes tables, figures.

Product Details

Edition:

Vol. - No.

Published:

01/11/2004

Number of Pages:

18

File Size:

1 file , 1.9 MB