Laredo Upgrades Water Plant to Improve Tap Quality

The city is installing a new chlorine dioxide unit at the Jefferson Water Plant to address taste and odor complaints.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Utilities

Industrial water treatment pipes and metal storage tanks at a municipal utility plant in the bright sun. — The city of Laredo is installing a new chlorine dioxide unit at the Jefferson Water Plant to resolve persistent tap water quality issues. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Laredo is currently installing a new chlorine dioxide unit at the Jefferson Water Plant to combat issues with tap water taste and odor. These problems have been primarily driven by seasonal algae blooms in the Rio Grande caused by high summer temperatures.

Why it matters

The upgrade is a direct response to resident feedback regarding water quality in Laredo. By addressing the source of these taste and odor concerns, the city hopes to provide a more consistent experience for its water customers.

The city is adding one chlorine dioxide unit to the Jefferson Water Plant to treat water drawn from the Rio Grande. Future performance metrics regarding the frequency of required chlorine water burns are still under evaluation.

The details

Utilities crews are currently working at the Jefferson Water Plant to integrate the new system into the city's water infrastructure. Once operational, the unit is expected to mitigate the impact of algae blooms that typically affect the water supply during hot summer months.

Installation is expected to be completed within the first two weeks of November 2026.

Market Landscape

This project represents a common shift for municipal utilities aiming to modernize water treatment protocols to meet public quality expectations. By investing in newer chemical processing technologies, Laredo is following a broader trend of facilities seeking to reduce reliance on legacy disinfection methods like annual chlorine burns.

Residents can expect improved water quality and taste once the new unit is fully operational in November. The upgrade may also reduce the frequency of annual chlorine water burns that affect tap water smell and flavor.

The takeaway

Maintaining modern water treatment facilities is essential for addressing the impacts of environmental shifts like algae blooms. Residents should look for notice from city officials in November regarding the status of the water system updates.