In Hot Springs, a monumental water supply project is nearing completion after more than a decade of meticulous planning and execution. This ambitious project is designed to secure a reliable water supply for the city’s residents and businesses, and it is poised to significantly enhance the region’s attractiveness to new enterprises. The project centers around the construction of a new water plant that will draw water from Lake Ouachita, with the facility set to be operational by the end of 2025.
City Manager Bill Burrough has expressed immense pride in the Lake Ouachita Water Supply Project, highlighting the extensive efforts and planning that have gone into it.
“It’s been something that will be here long after we’re gone, so anytime you’re able to work on a project like this, you’re truly leaving a legacy behind,” he said.
10 Years, $150 million
The project’s complexity is underscored by the 10-year process to reallocate Lake Ouachita as a source of potable water, a feat achieved with the assistance of the Mid-Arkansas Water Alliance.
Previously, Hot Springs relied on two primary water sources: a plant at Lake Rix, with a daily capacity of 5 million gallons, and another plant that drew from Lake Hamilton, producing 20 million gallons daily. However, with the city often operating near 80% of its water supply capacity, the need for an additional water source became critical. In 2012, the city exceeded its threshold 56 times, spurring the search for a sustainable solution.
Another engineering feat was installing pipelines beneath Lake Hamilton. (Provided)
The $150 million Lake Ouachita Water Supply Project comprises four major components: the water intake site, pipelines to transport untreated water to the treatment plant, the treatment plant itself and lines to deliver treated water to the city’s water system. One of the project’s most notable engineering feats includes drilling a half-mile tunnel through Blakely Mountain to connect to Lake Ouachita, enabling gravity-fed water flow without the need for pumping, thus ensuring long-term cost savings. It was the first engineering project of this size and type to be completed in North America.
Another remarkable engineering accomplishment was the installation of pipelines beneath Lake Hamilton using a float-and-sink method, a complex and innovative approach not previously undertaken in Arkansas at this scale. In addition, the city had to bore under a section of Lake Hamilton, which was another first in Arkansas. The new water treatment plant, covering 1,720 square feet, will initially produce 15 million gallons of water per day, with ample space for future expansion.
Function and aesthetics
The design of the new plant reflects a commitment to both functionality and aesthetic harmony with the local environment. The facility, styled to resemble a large red barn, will blend seamlessly into the surrounding pastureland, mitigating visual impact and preserving the area’s rural character.
As the largest infrastructure project in Hot Springs’ history, the Lake Ouachita Water Supply Project is set to provide long-term benefits.
It will ensure an ample water supply for residents, enhance the city’s appeal to water-intensive industries, and position Hot Springs as a forward-thinking community with robust infrastructure.
The project’s strategic importance was echoed by Burrough, who emphasized that the current efforts would benefit future generations, ensuring a resilient and prosperous future for Hot Springs.
“History will be kind to those serving on the board of directors as the full potential of this water supply project is fully realized,” Burrough said.
With its historical roots deeply intertwined with water, Hot Springs is once again poised to thrive thanks to this visionary project. Its completion will not only secure the city’s water needs but also foster economic growth and stability for decades to come.
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