Water and Wastewater Engineering Waco, Texas

Water and wastewater engineering in Waco

MES designs water and wastewater systems for sites in Waco and across McLennan County. We work for developers, builders, utilities and other engineering firms.

Inside the city, most work is a water or sewer extension that ties a site into the City of Waco system. Outside city limits, a site may need its own answer: a lift station, a small treatment plant or a septic design.

We also prepare civil site plans and answer the city's review comments.

How permitting and review work around Waco

The City of Waco runs water and sewer service inside the city. Lake Waco and the North Bosque River supply drinking water for the Waco area.

The Waco Metropolitan Area Regional Sewerage System, called WMARSS, serves Waco and six nearby cities: Bellmead, Hewitt, Lacy Lakeview, Lorena, Robinson and Woodway. It runs two wastewater treatment plants.

A new treatment plant needs TCEQ approval. Applications are reviewed at TCEQ headquarters in Austin. The Region 9 office in Waco covers McLennan County for inspections and compliance.

The North Bosque River flows into Lake Waco. In 2001, TCEQ adopted phosphorus limits for the river, called total maximum daily loads or TMDLs. TCEQ checks new and amended wastewater permits in that watershed against them.

Septic systems in McLennan County are permitted by the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District.

Our work in and near Waco

MES completed civil site plans for a drive-up water kiosk site in Waco. It is one of many sites in a kiosk program across seven states. See how we plan these sites on our kiosk site planning page.

North of Waco, in Milford, MES designed a 15,000 gallon per day lift station for an RV park, sized for all three phases. Read about the Milford lift station.

Common questions

Who permits a new wastewater plant near Waco?

TCEQ. A plant that discharges to a creek or river needs a TPDES permit. Some sites can use land application or reclaimed water reuse instead. See your three wastewater disposal options in Texas.

Can my site connect to City of Waco water and sewer?

Ask the city early. The answer depends on where the land sits, how far it is from the nearest main and how much capacity that line has. Outside city limits, another provider may hold the service area, called a CCN. The Public Utility Commission of Texas oversees CCNs.

Do septic systems in McLennan County need a permit?

Yes. Most on-site sewage facilities need a permit before construction. In McLennan County, the Waco-McLennan County Public Health District issues them.