Kyle receives $2M for Reclaimed Water Master Plan amid growth, climate change
Published: Wed, 03/01/23
Kyle receives $2M for Reclaimed Water Master Plan amid growth, climate change
The city of Kyle received $2 million in federal funding from U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett's office for the city's Reclaimed Water Master Plan.
(Zara Flores/Community Impact)
Community Impact
By Zara Flores
Updated
The city of Kyle received $2 million of federal appropriations, secured by U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett, D-Austin, for the city's Reclaimed Water Master Plan. Doggett's office made the announcement Feb. 14on the heels of another round of appropriations secured for the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment in San Marcos.
The Kyle City Council acknowledged the federal funding at its meeting Feb. 21.
“Congressman Doggett generously earmarked $2 million for our water reclamation project. ... They, as in the feds, consider the city of Kyle at the forefront of purple pipe and reclaimed water, so we're excited about this opportunity,” Assistant City Manager Amber Schmeits said at the meeting.
Purple pipes are used for reclaimed and recycled water that is not meant for drinking, though the water may be clear. Reclaimed water is harmless to humans via direct contact and can be used for nondrinking purposes, such as toilet flushing and irrigation.
“We are exceptionally grateful for Representative Doggett's support and advocacy for our Reclaimed Water Master Plan project,” Mayor Travis Mitchell said in the statement. “As Central Texas continues to grow, so does the demand on the region's limited water supplies. Reclaimed water has proven to be a sustainable solution for rapid growth and provides a cost-effective and 'drought-proof' water resource for current and future public infrastructure.”
The Reclaimed Water Master Plan is in development with the first draft expected in late March, Director of Communications Rachel Sonnier said.