The Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR) project is a key initiative by BPUB to recycle treated wastewater effluent and augment the raw water supply for Water Treatment Plant 2. The project will divert up to 8.0 million gallons per day (MGD) of effluent from the Robindale Wastewater Treatment Plant to the Resaca de la Guerra. This initiative incorporates an environmental buffer, ensuring additional safety and quality control before the water is treated for potable use. The project aligns with Texas Senate Bill 905 and the Texas Commission On Environmental Quality (TCEQ) regulatory framework for potable reuse, addressing growing water scarcity in the Rio Grande Valley. The project is estimated to cost approximately $40 million with construction completion dates by 2028.
Technical Specifications
Source Water: Effluent currently discharged into San Martin Lake and the Gulf of America.
Treatment Process
- Microfiltration: Removes particulates down to 0.1 µm.
- UV/hydrogen peroxide oxidation: Inactivates pathogens.
- Granular activated carbon adsorption: Reduces organic contaminants.
Infrastructure
- A 36-inch pipeline will connect the Robindale Plant to Resaca De La Guerra.
- Integration with Water Treatment Plant 2's raw water intake ensures seamless operations.
Project Benefits
Supply Increase
Adds 8.0 MGD to Brownsville's potable water supply, offsetting 10.1% of current Rio Grande withdrawals.
Environmental Benefits
Prevents nutrient-rich discharge into Gulf estuaries, reducing algal blooms in San Martin Lake.
Regulatory Compliance
Meets TCEQ RG-634 standards for pathogen removal and chemical treatment, ensuring public health protection.
Drought Resilience
Provides a reliable water source independent of Rio Grande flows
Local Control
Reduces dependence on water allocations from external sources
Sustainability
Creates a circular water system for long-term community needs