Dripping Springs officials are seeking contracting firms for phase one of the South Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility expansion. The City Council approved the invitation for bids at an Oct. 20 meeting. Phase one work will include an influent pump station, aeration basins, yard piping and UV disinfection. The project uses funds from the Texas Water Development Board, which were awarded in July. The current facility can treat 162,500 gallons of wastewater a day. When both phases are complete, the facility will be able to treat about 820,000 gallons a day. City officials began updating the wastewater system more than 10 years ago, based on growth trends and projections. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality awarded the city a TPDES permit in 2019. A lawsuit paused the project until 2025. Utilities Director Gray Lahrman said the permit allows the city to discharge treated water into waterways such as Onion Creek, but the city does not intend to do so. Lahrman said city staff will review all bids and recommend the lowest responsible and responsive bid to the council in early 2027. Design of phase two will begin during phase one construction.