Ground Broken on New 16-Million-Gallon-a-Day Water Treatment Facility
On Feb. 13, 2025, the City of Batesville, Arkansas broke ground on a new water treatment plant, marking a major step toward modernizing the city’s water infrastructure.
The new facility will replace the city’s aging 1960s-era plant, to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for the area’s growing population. The project is a collaboration between the City of Batesville, Olsson Engineering, and construction manager TOLM Group.
“Water infrastructure is essential to any community’s survival. I want to thank our citizens for stepping up time and time again,” said Batesville Mayor Rick Elumbaugh at the ground-break.
According to White River Now, Batesville residents approved funding for the new facility in a 2023 vote. Public Works Engineer Damon Johnson thanked the community for its role in advancing the initiative.
“This new 16-million-gallon-a-day system is an investment in our future, securing high-quality water for residents, industries, and future growth,” Johnson said.
Crystal Johnson, CEO of the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, praised the partnerships that made the project possible.
“Critical infrastructure projects like this do not happen without a strong community, strong partnerships, and strong leadership,” she said.
The new plant is expected to take three years to complete. Officials emphasized its role in strengthening Batesville’s infrastructure and supporting long-term development.
