New Braunfels Utilities

The New Braunfels Utilities North Kuehler Wastewater Plant was designed and constructed more than 25 years ago. It was designed to treat 3.25 MGD of wastewater with a strength of 165 mg/l BOD. This plant serves a high-growth corridor that has developed in the last decade. Water conservation and garbage disposals in newer developments have increased the average domestic waste strength from 165 mg/l to approximately 400 mg/l. Although North Kuehler was within its discharge permit limitation of 3.25 MGD, it was grossly overloaded organically.

Walker Partners developed a Preliminary Engineering Report that documented the cause of the excessive BOD condition and options for increasing the plant’s organic treatment capacity. The preferred solution included additional aeration volume, additional aeration capacity, membrane thickening for waste activated sludge, and use of alum for phosphorus removal. North Kuehler discharges to the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels, so the quality of its discharge must be excellent. The improvements recommended and designed by Walker Partners completed on time and within budget. 

completion date: 2015

location: New Braunfels, Tx