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Buttermilk Creek flows into Little Walnut Creek in northeast Austin. Poor water quality and erosion have made this watershed a priority for improvements. To address these issues, we are working with Austin Water to restore the creek, protect infrastructure, and improve water quality.

This project combines two previous projects—Buttermilk Creek Streambank Restoration and Buttermilk Creek Water Quality Improvements—into one Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Project.

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Project Goals 

  • Stabilize the banks of the creek to protect existing structures and infrastructure  
  • Remove pollution from stormwater and improve water quality in the creek  
  • Improve wildlife habitat and enhance overall health of the creek
  • Repair and upgrade old wastewater infrastructure


Upper Buttermilk Creek

This area has significant erosion, failing stormwater ponds, and exposed wastewater infrastructure. Proposed improvements include:

  • A new biofiltration pond with stacked detention
  • Removal of a failed detention pond on the bank of Buttermilk Creek
  • Stream restoration measures to protect exposed infrastructure and stabilize creek banks
  • Relocation of wastewater line out of Buttermilk Creek

Middle Buttermilk Creek

Proposed improvements between Bennett and Blessing Avenues will enhance water quality by removing pollutants from stormwater flowing from 655 densely developed acres in and around the St. Johns Neighborhood:

  • Rain gardens at Carver, Bethune and Meador Avenues to capture and filter stormwater for short periods of time when it rains
  • Channel improvements in four areas, replacing concrete with natural, erosion-resistant materials
  • Improvements to the outlet at the Delmar Tributary
  • Streambank stabilization at the pedestrian bridge on Providence Ave.  
  • Wildlife habitat improvements along the creek in Buttermilk Neighborhood Park
  • Improved amenities at Buttermilk Neighborhood Park
  • Relocation of the wastewater line in Buttermilk Creek

Lower Buttermilk Creek

This section, between Cameron Road and Little Walnut Creek, runs through the Coronado Hills and Old Towne neighborhoods. Over time, the creek has eroded down to rock in several areas, causing the banks to widen and deteriorate. Water is present in the creek most of the year, with springs, seeps, and small wetland areas. However, during storms, large amounts of fast-flowing water rush through the creek, causing damage to the banks. This flow is due to development upstream, where the watershed is fully developed with impervious surfaces like roads, parking lots, and rooftops. Proposed improvements include:

  • Drilled shaft walls to prevent further bank widening
  • Planting vegetation to stabilize the banks

Status/Timeline  

Our capital improvement projects take many years from start to finish. The process typically includes the following phases:  

  • Feasibility Study – when information is collected to identify potential solutions.  
  • Preliminary Engineering – when a solution is identified and costs are estimated.  
  • Design – when the details are worked out and construction plans drawn up.  
  • Permitting and Bidding – when all permits are acquired and a contractor is hired.  
  • Construction – when the project is built.  

This project is currently in the design phase. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2026.

 

EPA logo

This project received $22,160,000 in financial assistance from the Texas Water Development Board through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program. In addition, $959,752 was issued through Congressionally Mandated Project funding in the FY 2024 Consolidated Appropriations Act under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Community Grant Program.

Documents

Contacts 

  • Minda Sarmiento, Project Manager, 512-974-5645 or email Minda
  • Clayton West, Project Sponsor, 512-974-9792 or email Clayton