Council approves $770,362 reuse‑water project to irrigate Willow Creek golf course

The City of Killeen awarded a $770,362.29 construction contract to Bell Contractors Inc. to install reuse‑water infrastructure for irrigation of Willow Creek Golf Course, council staff said on July 15.

Staff explained the project’s background: a 1990 99‑year agreement allows the golf course to use lake water for irrigation. Historically the city supplemented the lake with treated reuse water from the WCID No. 1 wastewater treatment plant. In 2019 TCEQ informed the city that the lake is classified as waters of the state and that reuse water could not be discharged into the lake, so the city used potable water instead. The golf-course irrigation project redirects reuse water discharge to a new 100,000‑gallon ground storage tank near the course; water will be piped to irrigation pumps rather than directly entering the lake, which staff said complies with TCEQ rules because the reuse water will not be discharged into the lake.

Two bids were received; Bell Contractors was the low responsive bidder at $770,362.29. Staff recommended awarding the contract and authorizing the city manager to execute construction documents and change orders within state and local limits. Council approved the award as part of the consent agenda, 6-0.

Staff said the plan also includes internal circulation improvements to pump water among course ponds to reduce stagnation and improve overall water quality; staff described the reuse water as treated effluent from the wastewater plant, not raw wastewater. Project proponents said the move will reduce potable‑water use for irrigation and help meet regulatory requirements.

Council action: award to Bell Contractors Inc., authorization for contract execution and change orders (consent agenda, approved 6-0).