HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Hopkinsville Water Environment Authority, the city’s water utility company, has been hard at work for the past four years renovating and rebuilding their 41-year-old water treatment plant. The new Hopkinsville Clean Water Plant is on the brink of completion, with this massive project coming to a close in the fall of 2024.

The updated plant is at their Hammond-Wood Wastewater Treatment Plant location on Gary Lane in Hopkinsville. Construction began in 2020 with a budget of $48.3 million dollars, according to the HWEA Director of Water Daniel Lancaster. Funding comes from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority, which provides low interest loans to utility companies. HWEA is able to pay off its debts through water and sewer rates.

“We are excited to get the plant open, we are in the final stages now. We hope that we can give a lot of tours and let the community in and show them what we do,” said Lancaster.

New plant, new technology

With the last major upgrade being in 1994, most of the mechanical parts at the plant were in need of replacement. This, coupled with the need for advanced nutrient removal and increased capacity led to the expansion. Lancaster stressed that their highest priority is doing their part to protect the environment.

Previously, the plant filtered six million gallons of water a day. Upon completion they will bump that up to nine million gallons a day. Lancaster told Christian County Now that their environmentalists are on the front lines every day making sure the water is in harmony with the lakes and rivers, and the increased capacity will ensure they can keep up with the large industries in Hopkinsville.

“It will give us the treatment capabilities to make sure that we don’t have any problems with what we are putting into the river. It gives us more space and capacity so as Hopkinsville grows that won’t be an issue,” explained Lancaster.

Lancaster said the city can expect a ribbon cutting after the project is completed. While they have opened their doors to tours during construction, he is looking forward to inviting school groups and other tours into the facility to explain what they do.

DON’T MISS A STORY: Click here to sign up for our free weekly email newsletter