Lake Nasworthy Sewer Improvement Project

The current sewer system in the Lake Nasworthy area relies upon a single, uncased pipeline that crosses the lake. This system was installed piecemeal over decades without an overall plan. As a result, it relies upon a complex configuration of 26 lift stations and 106 grinders.

The City treats 8 million gallons of wastewater per day. The Nasworthy system produces 500,000 gallons of that total. That means half of the city’s lift stations are dedicated to moving 1/16th of the community’s total wastewater. That’s an inefficient system.  

The new system will install two cased mains to move wastewater. That will provide a failsafe that will allow for uninterrupted service should one of the lines fail or require maintenance. And because they would be cased, there would be a minimized threat of sewage leaking into the environment. The capacity will increase from 500,000 gallons to 2.5 million gallons per day and would be adequate to accommodate any development around the lake and at the airport. 

The infrastructure will include a trunk main – a main artery, if you will – that eventually could serve other areas that currently must rely on septic systems. This will also provide the framework to eventually eliminate six to eight lift stations. 

Economic development is hindered at San Angelo Regional Airport and around Nasworthy because the current wastewater system is operating at its capacity. Mathis Field is perfectly positioned for an industrial park that would boast superior access to transportation by air and by highway. That would be attractive to prospective tenants and would boost job creation. But the current infrastructure cannot accommodate that sort of development.  

Development at the current industrial park has increased markedly in recent years. There is no intention of shuttering that park. But it is hamstrung by not having access to air or rail service. Many industrial tenants seek that so they can easily ship materials in and ship product out. Such manufacturers pay attractive wages and contribute to the local tax base, relieving the burden on homeowners. Great-paying jobs also boost the vibrancy of the entire community’s economy. 

In Nov. of 2019 voters approved the use of funds from the Lake Nasworthy Fund to help partially pay for the project. The amount dedicated to this project from the Lake Nasworthy Fund is $11.5 million. The City Council will use a portion of the funds voters approved in the Nov. 2019 special election on several quality-of-life projects at Lake Nasworthy. Those projects include boat ramps, fishing piers, shoreline erosion control and sandy beaches. 

On March 7, 2023, the City Council approved $44 million in bonds for the Lake Nasworthy Sewer Project.   

The pipeline portion of the project is approximately 40% completed. The new lift station will begin construction in approximately two to three months. The project is currently still on schedule to be completed within the original 24 month timeline.