Little Rock, Arkansas – Central Arkansas is on the brink of a significant transformation in its water supply infrastructure. The Jack H. Wilson Treatment Plant, Arkansas’ largest and a cornerstone in supplying water since the 1950s, is set to receive its first major renovation, a project aimed at sustaining water supply for generations to come. This extensive makeover comes with an equally substantial cost, a bill that will be footed by the customers of Central Arkansas Water (CAW).
The necessity for this renovation became evident as signs of aging at the facility could no longer be ignored. Built over seven decades ago and responsible for delivering 125 million gallons of water daily, the plant has endured the wear and tear of time. Doug Shackelford, CAW Public Information Officer, detailed the current state of the plant, noting the presence of rust, rubble, and mechanical rattling—a clear indication that an overhaul was overdue.
Jack H. Wilson Treatment Plant. Courtesy of Tolm Group
In a significant financial push to ensure the future of Arkansas’ water infrastructure, the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission has approved the final segment of a $230 million loan. This approval allocates an additional $80 million to the already granted $150 million for the renovation project, signaling a green light for commencement in early 2025.
The renovation, expected to span five years, is not just about repairs but a complete modernization of the facility. From replacing the concrete in the basins to overhauling the systems that handle chemicals and waste, the project aims at upgrading every aspect of the plant. According to Shackelford, some older parts of the plant that have become obsolete due to technological advancements will also be revamped to meet modern standards.
Funding such a massive project requires a sustainable financial strategy. CAW has opted for a long-term solution through incremental rate increases, a plan set into motion in 2022 and slated to continue until 2032. By the end of this period, monthly bills for water will have doubled—an investment Shackelford believes is essential not just for today’s users but for ensuring the system’s reliability for another century.
These rate increases are a necessary step to accommodate the expenses of the renovation, ensuring that the infrastructure not only meets current needs but sets a benchmark for future generations. CAW officials emphasize that even with these increases, their water system remains one of the top ten most affordable in the nation. They project that this status will not change significantly even after the rate adjustments fully take effect.
Jack H. Wilson Treatment Plant. Courtesy of Tolm Group
Serving nearly half a million customers across eight counties, with 75% of its water sourced from Lake Maumelle through the Jack H. Wilson Treatment Plant, CAW’s renovation project is more than just an infrastructure upgrade. It’s a commitment to future-proofing a critical resource, ensuring that Central Arkansas will continue to have reliable and efficient water service for decades to come. As the community looks forward to the benefits of modernization, the echoes of the project’s necessity resonate through the necessity of enduring a little financial strain for a much larger gain.
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