Boerne City Council approves $350K for water treatment plant carbon filter design

Boerne City Council has taken significant steps to enhance the city's water treatment capabilities and infrastructure during its recent meeting on July 8, 2025. The council approved a resolution to engage HDR Engineering for the design of a new granular activated carbon (GAC) treatment system at the Boerne City Lake Water Treatment Plant. This project, which comes with a budget not to exceed $350,000, aims to improve water quality by removing organics and preventing the formation of harmful disinfection byproducts.

The decision to install the GAC filter is driven by a growing need to reduce groundwater usage and address occasional issues with earthy tastes and odors in the water, often linked to algal blooms. The design phase is expected to take approximately 195 calendar days, with construction anticipated to follow swiftly, potentially lasting around six months. The council emphasized the importance of this project in maintaining compliance with Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulations and ensuring the community has access to safe drinking water.

In addition to the water treatment project, the council also approved a contract with Kimley Horn and Associates for construction administration services related to the Ammon Road ground storage tank and pump station project. This project includes a 1,000,000-gallon storage tank and a pump station designed primarily for fire demand. The construction phase is set to begin this month and is expected to last approximately 600 days, concluding in March 2027.

Both initiatives align with Boerne's strategic goals of investing in high-quality infrastructure and advancing the city's master plan. The council's proactive approach to these projects underscores its commitment to enhancing the community's water systems and overall public health. As these projects move forward, residents can look forward to improved water quality and increased reliability in water services.