The city of Anna officially activated the Hurricane Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, a major step forward in regional infrastructure. This new facility not only positions Anna for sustainable growth but also helps manage long-term costs and environmental impacts for surrounding communities, including Van Alstyne, Weston and unincorporated areas of Collin County.
The plant’s phased approach begins with two million gallons per day (MGD) of treatment capacity, five times the capacity of the temporary system it replaces. Over time, the facility will scale to a total capacity of 16 MGD, a vital move as population growth continues to surge across the region.
Ensuring Sustainable Growth
The first phase of the Hurricane Creek plant can support thousands of additional homes. To put it in perspective, two MGD equals about 32,000 bathtubs of treated wastewater every single day. This capacity is crucial for keeping up with new development while protecting existing infrastructure.
Just as importantly, this plant gives Anna local control over its sewer rates. With regional rates from the North Texas Municipal Water District (NTMWD) increasing 10–15% annually, the city’s ability to treat wastewater in-house provides a powerful cost-saving mechanism for residents and businesses alike.
But this is more than a local project, it’s a regional solution. The facility allows other participating communities to pay wholesale rates to Anna for wastewater treatment. That kind of cost-sharing spreads the financial responsibility and makes large-scale infrastructure more affordable for all.
The facility also streamlines the physical infrastructure. By treating wastewater locally, Anna avoids the need to send sewage through miles of large-diameter mains running through cities like Melissa and McKinney. That means lower long-term maintenance costs and fewer construction headaches for neighboring communities.
Environmental Stewardship at the Forefront
Equipped with a state-of-the-art membrane bioreactor, the Hurricane Creek plant exceeds the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s (TCEQ) requirements for treated water. The result is cleaner effluent, minimal environmental disruption, and a healthier local ecosystem.
“This project represents a smart, regional approach to infrastructure planning,” said Anna P.E., Assistant City Manager Greg Peters. “Not only does it allow us to stabilize wastewater rates for Anna neighbors, but it also ensures our wastewater treatment capacity grows with our community while maintaining strong environmental stewardship.”
Keeping Pace With Collin County’s Unprecedented Growth
The plant’s activation comes at a pivotal time. According to new U.S. Census data, nearby Princeton was recently named the fastest-growing city in America, with its population surging by 30% in just one year. The city now has an estimated 37,000 residents, more than double its 2020 population, and light-years ahead of the 2,321 people who lived there in 1990.
Other Collin County cities are right behind. Celina and Anna rank fourth and fifth nationally in growth rate, with Celina increasing by 18.2% and Anna by 14.6%. Melissa isn’t far behind, placing 11th with a 10% jump.
That explosive growth has created new jobs and economic opportunities, but it’s also testing the limits of city infrastructure. Princeton already imposed a temporary moratorium on development permits to give its water, road, and emergency systems time to catch up.
For fast-growing cities like Anna, forward-thinking projects like the Hurricane Creek wastewater treatment plant could make all the difference. Instead of reacting to growth, Anna is preparing for it, controlling costs, reducing strain on services and setting the stage for a more sustainable future.
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