Buda Parks and Rec
by JACK JONES
The City of Buda has been permitted by TCEQ to use and sell Type I and Type II reclaimed water from the city Wastewater Treatment Facility for irrigation purposes. Type I effluent can be used for the irrigation of residential, commercial, public parks, school yards and athletic fields, and maintenance of impoundments or natural water bodies. Type II reclaimed water can be used to irrigate golf courses, cemeteries and landscaped areas surrounding commercial or industrial complexes, land restricted from public access, soil compaction, dust control and cooling tower makeup water.
The permit allows the city to use reclaimed water to irrigate landscaped areas around town (like the Main Street medians) and to sell it at the city wastewater treatment plant to contractors for use in construction related activities. The city has almost completed the new Reuse Water Station located on Garison Road, which will allow contractors to fill their water trucks for soil compaction and dust control purposes at half the cost of potable water, conserving precious drinking water.
Looking ahead, the Buda Parks and Recreation Department is excited about the opportunity of tying Historic Stagecoach Park into the city’s reclaimed water system so we can irrigate the park. In addition, we are exploring the possibility of adding an irrigation system to City Park utilizing reclaimed water for irrigation purposes so that City Park will have nice grass for festivals, special events, and park users year-round. Once the Stagecoach Park pond is relined, filled and approved by TCEQ, the pond level will remain constant year-round with the use of reclaimed water. All of these efforts will help keep our parks looking great while saving valuable drinking water!
Any questions in regards to reclaimed water in the city of Buda may be directed to Public Works Director Mike Beggs at (512) 523-1020 or email [email protected]. In addition, parks and recreation questions can be directed to me at (512) 295-7170 or email [email protected].
