Exciting News for Lake Murray Residents: Water Plant Expansion Underway!

Exciting News for Lake Murray Residents: Water Plant Expansion Underway!

Hey there, Lake Murray! If you’ve ever had a sip of our local water and thought, “Hmm, I wish it tasted a bit better,” we’ve got some fantastic news for you! After 8 long years in the making, the Lake Murray water plant expansion project is officially kicking into high gear, and it promises to make significant improvements to our water quality, taste, and even the smell.

Understand the Project Background

For those who may not know, the Lake Murray water plant holds the title of being the largest water treatment plant in Lexington County. It’s a crucial facility, ensuring that cool, clean water flows right from your tap. In a recent special council meeting, residents learned from the Director of Engineering and Water Plants that this expansion is progressing ahead of schedule, much to the delight of everyone!

Planning for this exciting project started back in 2016. What began as a plan to increase capacity has evolved over the years. The team has focused on integrating new technology that specifically addresses those pesky issues related to water odor and taste — the quality of our everyday life, right?

Construction is Already in Progress!

April 2023 marked the start of construction for the capacity component of the project. Here’s the best part: as of now, about 30% of the work has already been completed. Impressive, isn’t it? Andy Zaengle, who’s leading the efforts, explained that this expansion aims to boost the plant’s capacity from 27 million gallons a day to an impressive 36 million gallons a day. Now, that’s growth!

What’s Ahead in Terms of Upgrades

One of the standout features of this project is the introduction of ozone technology, which is going to cost around $40 million. You might be wondering, “What does this do for my water?” Don’t worry; it’s fantastic news! This technology will help to target and eliminate organic compounds in the water, leading to a much purer taste and smell. Imagine not having to hold your nose while washing your hair – what a relief!

Zaengle pointed out, “Addressing taste and odor really comes from our customers; they don’t like it and want it addressed.” It’s all about listening to what residents like us have to say and finding the best ways to implement effective solutions. It’s nice to know that our opinions as consumers matter in shaping our community’s resources!

How Will this Affect Us?

A big sigh of relief, folks: the funding for this extensive project will come from various sources, like bond funds, and more importantly, it will NOT directly impact our water bills. That news is sure to make you smile! And while the plant may undergo significant upgrades, Zaengle reassures us that the appearance will remain largely unchanged. The majority of the expansion will occur underground, so if you’re passing by, you might not even notice a difference!

Looking Towards The Future

So, when can we expect this shiny new capacity and improved quality? The project is slated for completion by 2027, and we can hardly wait! This expansion is all about making our lives a little better, giving us reliable access to water we can trust.

As the work progresses, it’s delightful to think about the future and the comfort of knowing our water supply is being treated with the utmost care and technology. The Lake Murray community has so much to look forward to as we embrace cleaner, better-tasting water in the years to come!