University of Texas will reduce water use by 40% with on-campus water processing facility
Rendering of the UT WaterHub®, which will be located in the center of the engineering district of campus.
The University of Texas at Austin has announced plans to develop the nation’s largest campus-based water processing facility, the UT WaterHub®, in partnership with Canadian water technology company H2O Innovation. The 9,600-square-foot facility, set to begin construction later this year, will be an on-site wastewater reclamation and reuse system with a capacity of 1 million gallons per day (MGD).
Designed to produce reclaimed water for use in cooling towers and boilers, the project is expected to reduce the campus potable water usage by 40% and reduce sewer volume by up to 70%. In addition, The UT WaterHub® will minimize the use of chemicals and overall resources for wastewater treatment, incorporating natural processes, such as plant life and gravity, and decreasing dependence on energy-intensive equipment and chemicals.
“The UT WaterHub® will enable the University to be proactive, resilient and dynamic in our reclaimed and recovered water strategy — prioritizing utility water conservation with auxiliary water resources — and creating a profound, best-in-class service for the University community,” said Xavier Rivera Marzán, UT's executive director of utilities and energy management.
The facility is expected to be operational by fall 2027. Capital expenditures for the project are estimated at about $28 million, to be funded by H2O Innovation through a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement. This agreement will provide the campus with a water source from a facility constructed, owned, and operated by a private interest, while the university will pay for the processed water. The project will follow a fixed rate escalation purchase structure over a 30-year ground lease and water processing agreement.
“By combining cutting-edge technology with our innovative financing approach, we’re making it easier for organizations to adopt sustainable water practices that benefit both their bottom line and the environment, paving a step forward in water positivity,” said Frédéric Dugré, president and CEO of H2O Innovation.
In addition to reducing potable water demand, the project will serve as a “living laboratory”, creating academic and research opportunities for students and faculty to engage in sustainability, engineering, and operational projects.
As Austin continues to experience rapid growth and face persistent drought conditions, initiatives like the UT WaterHub® are essential to easing the strain on Texas’ water resources. By reclaiming and reusing water for nonpotable energy needs, the facility will help secure a sustainable water supply for the future while conserving valuable potable water for the UT and Austin communities.
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