Austin Council Approves $89.7 Million Water Plant Upgrade

The city moves to replace hazardous disinfection chemicals at the 1969-era Ullrich Water Treatment Plant.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Utilities

Isometric editorial illustration showing a large stainless steel industrial water treatment vessel and pipes, representing municipal infrastructure upgrades. — The Austin City Council authorized an $89.7 million contract to modernize disinfection systems at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant using safer alternatives. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should local governments prioritize higher spending to replace hazardous industrial materials in public infrastructure?

The Austin City Council has authorized an $89.7 million contract to modernize disinfection systems at the Ullrich Water Treatment Plant. This project will replace existing gaseous chlorine and anhydrous ammonia storage with safer alternatives.

Why it matters

The upgrade aims to mitigate risks associated with the bulk delivery and storage of hazardous chemicals at the treatment facility. Transitioning to on-site generation and liquid-based systems improves safety for the West Austin area.

The $89.7 million contract allocates $81.5 million for construction services alongside an $8.1 million contingency fund. The project is slated to be completed over a 840-day timeline while the facility remains operational.

The players

Austin City Council

This local legislative body is responsible for approving city contracts, municipal budgets, and major infrastructure projects for the Austin metropolitan area.

Ullrich Water Treatment Plant

Located in West Austin, this critical piece of utility infrastructure has been supplying water to the city since its commissioning in 1969.

The details

The plant will move away from bulk gaseous chemical storage to a process using sodium hypochlorite generated on-site via electrolysis. Additionally, liquid ammonium sulfate will replace anhydrous ammonia to modernize the facility's disinfection protocols.

1969: The Ullrich Water Treatment Plant was originally commissioned.
October 22, 2026: The Austin City Council approved the $89.7 million contract.
840 days: The total project duration allotted for completion.

Market Landscape

This project reflects a growing industry trend toward on-site chemical generation to comply with the Clean Water Act's Risk Management Plan requirements. It highlights a shift in utility infrastructure management away from legacy bulk-chemical storage models.

Residents will not experience service interruptions, as the treatment plant is scheduled to remain fully operational throughout the 840-day construction transition. The move primarily impacts public safety by reducing the proximity of hazardous materials to residential zones.

The takeaway

Upgrading legacy utility infrastructure is essential for maintaining modern safety standards as facilities age. Residents should expect the facility to continue normal water treatment operations throughout the duration of this multi-year construction project.