East Fork Water Reuse Project

Overview

Operating since 2009, the East Fork Water Reuse Project is the largest man-made wetland in the U.S. and helps extend our existing water supplies.

Construction began on this 1,840-acre project in 2004 and was completed in 2009 at a cost of $280 million - a cost-effective alternative to building a new reservoir. The wetland, also known as the East Fork Raw Water Supply Project and the East Fork Wetlands Project, essentially acts as a large-scale recycling project, diverting treated wastewater (effluent) flows from the East Fork of the Trinity River and filtering it naturally before it is returned to blend with other water supplies for future treatment and use.

The aquatic plants and sunlight are very effective as they naturally filter the water, removing sediment, heavy metals, and other pollutants. This natural process removes about 95% of sediment, 80% of nitrogen, and 65% of phosphorus.

After being cleansed by the wetlands, the water is pumped through a 42-mile pipeline back to Lavon Lake, where it is blended and stored until it is sent to the Wylie Water Treatment Plant for treatment as drinking water. From there, it is distributed to homes and businesses across 10 North Texas counties.

Details

$280-million investment
1,840 acres of wetlands
1.6 million aquatic plants help cleanse water
Designed to deliver up to 90 million gallons/day
Water is pumped through a 43-mile, 84-inch pipeline to Lavon Lake

John Bunker Sands Wetland Center

In the center of the wetland sits the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, which provides education and research opportunities on water conservation, wetland systems, and wildlife management. It is open to the public and offers walks, nature events, and tours. The Wetland Center serves as the hub of environmental and social interest in man-made wetland habitats on the Rosewood Seagoville Ranch property.

The Center Hosts

Field investigations and education workshops/events for K-12 students
Nature seminars, walks, and community events
Summer nature and wildlife camps
University researchers

Visit John Bunker Sands Wetland Center Website

Awards

Texas Leopold Conservation Award

The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center and Rosewood Ranches were recipients of the 2022 Texas Leopold Conservation Award, the state’s highest honor for private land conservation. The award was presented by the Sand County Foundation and national sponsor, American Farmland Trust, in partnership with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards program. In honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working land.

Texan by Nature
Conservation Wrangler

In 2018, Texan by Nature (TxN), a Texas-led conservation non-profit founded by former First Lady Laura Bush, announced the honorees of its annual Conservation Wrangler program which included the East Fork Water Supply Project and the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center. Honorees were selected for being a science-based, Texan-led conservation initiative, providing benefits to the community through tangible returns for people, prosperity, and natural resources, and reaching new and diverse audiences with measurable process and conservation outcomes.