For Water or Wastewater Emergencies call 512-218-5555, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
When it goes down the drain, it’s gone for good, right? Wrong! The City’s wastewater (sewer) system is designed to dispose of water, toilet paper, and body fluid – anything else, blocks the flow and EVERYTHING that went down, comes back up…into your home, street, creeks, and anywhere else it can.
If it isn’t body fluid or toilet paper, It Doesn’t Go… Don’t Stop the Flow
If It Can’t Flow, It Overflows – 
- Property damage
- Plumbing problems
- Nasty cleanup
- Replacement of material goods
- Health issues
Prevent Plumbing Problems
There are many misconceptions about what can be flushed or poured down the drain, but as a general rule: If it isn’t body fluid or toilet paper, it doesn’t go. Protect your home and the quality of our water by disposing of these products properly.
Wipes, Paper Towels, Tissue, and NapkinsWipes, paper towels, facial tissue, and napkins are designed to absorb moisture and stay intact when wet, making them tough enough to clean with but too tough to flush. Even those labeled “flushable” are too thick and do not disintegrate easily. No Wipes in the Pipes! While toilet paper breaks down in anywhere from a minute to four minutes, wipes can take up to eight days to dissolve. When these items are flushed, they accumulate and block pipes and pumps. |
Cleaning ProductsWhile it’s okay for small amounts of household chemicals to go down the drain – no more than about a cup – large amounts of chemicals should never be disposed of in your drain! Treatment plants are not designed to extract chemicals found in bleach, disinfectants, and other household cleaners. These products can pose a threat to water quality and the environment. You can bring leftover cleaners to any of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. The chemicals will be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and the containers recycled. Many of the products are made available to residents at no cost. |
Grease, Oils, FatsGrease may go in as a liquid, but as it cools, it becomes a pipe-clogging wax. Pour leftover grease in a can, then toss it in the trash. Request a FREE Can it…Don’t Drain It kit by emailing Don’t Stop the Flow. Learn more at Cease the Grease. |
MedicationTreatment plants are not designed to remove chemicals found in drugs. These dangerous chemicals get pumped into lakes and creeks, contaminating water supplies and wildlife downstream. Round Rock Police hosts Drug Take-Back Days in the Spring and Fall. Check the City’s events page for details. How to Dispose of Medication; Disposal Safety Guide; |
Paint, Pesticides, and FertilizersLeftover paint, pesticides, paint remover, and other household products contain chemicals that are hazardous to people, animals, plants, and fish and should never be poured down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or put out with the trash. You can bring these products to any of our Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection events. Many of the products are made available to residents at no cost, and the rest are disposed of in an environmentally safe manner and the containers recycled. |
Feminine HygieneFeminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins, are designed to absorb liquids instead of breaking down like toilet paper. They are made of fibers that absorb moisture and expand, which prevents safe passage through your pipes. Flushing these products can easily result in a clogged sewer line. |
Wastewater System
The Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater System (BCRWWS), which consists of two wastewater treatment plants and over 300 miles of collection lines, is jointly owned by the Cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Austin. The City of Round Rock began overseeing all operations and maintenance of the BCRWWS on October 1, 2018.
The City of Round Rock has a collection system rehabilitation program that includes cleaning and videoing the collection system and inspecting and correcting “problem” areas that require regular maintenance. This program is funded through water and wastewater utility funds.
The City of Round Rock owns and operates 12 lift stations that pump wastewater to gravity sewer mains or the Brushy Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), known as East WWTP and West WWTP, are located in Round Rock and treat wastewater within the Brushy Creek, Onion Creek, Chandler Creek, and McNutt Creek watersheds.
The City’s wastewater collection system is currently covered under the Wastewater Discharge Permit held by the Cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Austin for the BCRWWTP. This facility was recently re-rated for an average maximum flow of 25 million gallons per day from the plant’s regional customers. The regional customers include the Cities of Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Austin, as well as the Fern Bluff and Brushy Creek Municipal Utility Districts.
512-218-2000
The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is the environmental agency for the state.
Billing Questions | 512-218-5460 | |
General Information | 512-218-5555 | |
Grease Package | 512-218-3273 | Amanda Taylor |
Hazardous Waste Disposal | 512-218-5554 | Jennifer Trogdon |
Maintenance/Repairs | 512-218-5555 | |
Permit Information | 512-218-2000 | Ashley Medel |
Rebate Programs | 512-671-2872 | Jessica Woods |
Sewer Backups (24 hours) | 512-218-5555 | |
Storm Drain Flooding | 512-218-7046 | stormwater@roundrocktexas.gov |