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

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

West Columbia, South Carolina, is buzzing with excitement as the Lake Murray water plant expansion project continues to take shape. This initiative, which has been in the works for an impressive eight years, aims to tackle some big issues affecting our water: capacity, taste, and odor.

The Journey So Far

The Lake Murray water plant stands as the largest drinking water provider for Lexington County, serving countless households. According to Andy Zaengle, the director of engineering and water plants for the city, this project kicked off its master plan back in 2016 to expand the water capacity, which, as we all know, is crucial for our growing community.

In a recent special council meeting, Zaengle shared some exciting updates on the progress of the project. He mentioned that the construction, which started in April 2023, is already 30% complete! That’s pretty quick considering the scale of what they’re working on.

What’s New?

One of the most groundbreaking aspects of this expansion is the incorporation of ozone technology to improve odor and taste. This upgrade comes with a hefty price tag of $40 million and is designed to tackle organic compounds found in our water supply. Just how does it work? Well, ozone will oxidize these compounds and remove them, leading to fresher, cleaner-tasting water. Who doesn’t want that?

Zaengle highlights a common concern among residents: “Addressing taste and odor really comes from our customers, they don’t like it and they want it addressed.” It’s clear that the community’s voice is being heard as they work diligently to improve our drinking water experience.

Capacity Boost

The current capacity of the Lake Murray plant stands at an impressive 27 million gallons per day. But guess what? With the expansion, that number will shoot up to 36 million gallons daily! That’s a significant boost that will ensure West Columbia residents have access to their water without any restrictions. Zaengle pointed out, “Our customers expect to be able to turn the faucet on and have water there; they don’t want to hear or be under use restrictions.”

Funding and Costs

You might be wondering how this whole project is getting funded. Well, Zaengle explained that the financing will come from various sources, including bond funds. Good news: this expansion won’t directly impact your water bills. That’s a relief for all of us who budget each month!

What Will Change?

As for the appearance of the water plant, residents won’t see a dramatic change. Most of the expansion work will happen underground, meaning that while you might notice differences if you happen to stroll through the area, the overall aesthetic will remain largely the same. Zaengle said, “If you were to walk from the beginning to end, you’ll notice that there is a difference. But it’s not going to end up being except for those in part really that there is a whole new set of structures out here that weren’t here before.”

Looking Ahead

As we look to the future, the project is set to wrap up by 2027. This timeline gives hope to residents who are eager to experience improved water quality and supply that aligns with the community’s needs.

So there you have it, West Columbia! The Lake Murray water plant expansion is not just a distant dream anymore; it’s actively in progress and promises to enhance our community in so many ways. Stay tuned for more updates as this exciting project rolls on!