Austin Water Utility and Landmark Structures Break Ground for Reclaimed Water Storage Tank
Austin, TX (23-04-2008)On April 23, 2008, Landmark Structures joined the Austin Water Utility (AWU) and other City of Austin, TX officials for the groundbreaking on their one-of-kind reclaimed water storage tank located at 2003 East 51st Street. The unique, two million gallon capacity tank also features a rainwater collection system and photovoltaic panels for solar power generation. Landmark is serving as general contractor on the project. The engineering firm is CDM of Austin, and the architects are Cotera + Reed, also of Austin.
- Design sets a new standard for appearance as well as function.
- It will serve the University of Texas, Austin Energy’s Mueller Energy Center, green spaces at the Mueller Redevelopment, as well as Bartholomew Park and the Hancock Golf Course with reclaimed water from an innovative system that the AWU has been building since 1993.
- Scheduled for completion in 2009, it is a key link in a network that makes it possible to move water to the capitol complex and the downtown area.
- Austin now uses 1.17 billion gallons of reclaimed water per year—equivalent to the amount of water used by 5300 homes.
- Future plans call for more than tripling that amount to 5.5 billion gallons per year, freeing up potable water supplies to serve the equivalent of more than 25,000 homes.
- Reclaimed water is drinking-water-clear treated wastewater. Austin typically returns it to the Colorado River, but it is suitable for irrigation, chiller plants, and manufacturing.
- Its use can keep water rates affordable, aid conservation and delay increased water purchases from the Lower Colorado River Authority and new treatment plants.
- In keeping with the city’s focus on sustainability, reclaimed water fees will actually fund the tower.
The Austin 51st Street tower is a stellar example of highly visible infrastructure that moves beyond mere utility to provide both aesthetic and economic benefits to the community.
About Landmark…
- Founded in the US in 1985, with the market-transforming introduction of the composite elevated tank for water storage
- Advanced from innovator to market leader through excellence in execution—with composite elevated tanks now the primary solution for large capacity storage of up to 3.5 million gallons in North America
- Committed to a philosophy of higher standards…and to new opportunities leveraging competencies in water, energy and the environment
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