Georgetown Water Board Unanimously Recommends MBR for Dove Springs Plant Expansion

The Georgetown City Council meeting on August 26, 2025, focused on critical discussions regarding the expansion of the Dove Springs water treatment plant and the potential adoption of a Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system. The meeting highlighted the need for a strategic approach to meet future water treatment limits imposed by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ).

City officials discussed the current capacity of the Dove Springs plant, which operates at 2.5 million gallons per day, and the implications of a proposed expansion. Concerns were raised about TCEQ's stricter regulations, which could require a complete redesign of the existing plant if conventional methods were used. The council noted that while conventional activated sludge (CAS) systems could meet current permit limits, they may not be sufficient for future challenges, particularly in light of recent permit requirements imposed on nearby facilities.

The Water Utility Advisory Board unanimously recommended moving forward with the MBR system, which is expected to provide a more robust solution for water quality and compliance with potential future regulations. Council members expressed their support for this recommendation, emphasizing the proactive nature of adopting MBR technology to ensure long-term sustainability and compliance.

Additionally, the council addressed a query from Sun City regarding the relocation of a water line, indicating ongoing communication and collaboration with local stakeholders to optimize water resource management.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the need for further discussions and planning to ensure Georgetown's water treatment capabilities align with both current and future demands. The council's decision to consider MBR technology marks a significant step towards enhancing the city's water infrastructure and environmental stewardship.