Change to wastewater treatment standards proposed in Texas bill

AUSTIN, TX, Mar. 25, 2011 -- A new state senate bill authored by Sen. Kirk Watson (D-Austin) and supported by the Austin City Council would create very high standards for wastewater dumped into creeks and streams that feed into the Edwards Aquifer and Barton Springs.

The bill, which Watson authored in conjunction with the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, would also require developers to treat industrial wastewater to drinking water standards before discharge into the 'contributing zones.' Currently, there are no treatment requirements for wastewater discharged to these zones.

The bill is expected to improve the quality of drinking water from the aquifer, which provides the water supply for about 60,000 residents, as well as the quality of recreational water areas like Barton Springs.

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