HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — A major water project has been underway in Hot Springs and it's nearly finished. It's also the first of its kind in North America and could have a big impact on the area in years to come.
The Lake Ouachita water supply project has been in the making since 2012, but now the city is checking off a lot on the to-do list.
In just a couple of weeks, Hot Springs Utility customers will have tap water from Lake Ouachita.
"It's a more consistent temperature because we're taking it out of the deep part of the lake and it's more consistent turbidity. So there's less stuff in it that we have to remove," said Hot Springs Utility Director Monty Ledbetter.
Ledbetter explained how that's just one of the benefits of this $155-million-dollar project.
"It's several, several millions of dollars over the years that it will save for the city of Hot Springs. And in lieu of the energy costs that it costs to pump water, and, of course, maintenance and wear and tear on pumps and things," he added.
In addition to saving the city money and improving water quality, it also increases the overall supply.
"Somewhere around 50 to 60 times, we've maxed out our treatment plant in the summer months. And you know that's pretty critical when you get to a point where you can't pump and make any more water and you're watching your tank system, and you're losing water on a daily basis," he explained.
He said that now that won't be a concern anymore because they're building a new water treatment plant and have added a micro tunnel through Blakely Mountain to take the water from Lake Ouachita.
With this improved water quality and supply, Steve Arrison with Visit Hot Springs said it'll benefit more than just those living in the city.
"This is a great thing for our community. Great thing for tourism. And I think it's a good thing for Arkansas, you know. All these people that come in to visit, they visit twice. If they like it, they might move there. So relocation is another big deal here," Arrison explained.
"This project will benefit generations and generations to come," Ledbetter added.
He also said customers shouldn't see a big increase in their bills.
"Their rates have already changed to cover that. This whole project cost about $6 on a base bill, and that was spread out over a period of three years. So that's already taken place, and it's already on their bills," Ledbetter said.
The city expects to finish the project by the end of 2025.