West Columbia’s Water Treatment Expansion: A Breath of Fresh Water!

Hey there, West Columbia! If you’ve been wondering what’s cooking at the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant, there’s some news brewing that’s sure to have you raising a glass (of water, of course). So let’s break it down — our beloved water facility is getting a much-needed expansion, and it’s all set to finish up in early 2027!

Why the Big Changes?

With Lexington County growing faster than ever, the demand for clean drinking water is on the up and up. Two years ago, plans kicked off to expand the capacity of the Lake Murray Water Treatment Plant. This isn’t just a tiny facelift; we’re talking about a serious makeover that’s going to pump up water production by an impressive 13.5 million gallons daily! For those keeping tabs, this will bring the plant’s daily total to a whopping 36 million gallons. So, those hot summer days when you need to guzzle water? We’ve got you covered!

What’s the Cost?

Now, here’s the scoop on the budget. Originally projected to cost around $60 million, the total expense for this expansion has climbed to $86 million. Ouch, right? This hike is mainly because of the rising costs of equipment and materials — but hey, nothing good comes easy! According to Andy Zaengle, the director of water plants and engineering for West Columbia, this investment is essential for the long-term health and well-being of our community.

Addressing Water Quality

But wait, there’s more! It’s not just about increasing the quantity of water. A big part of this expansion project is all about improving water quality too. You might recall that pesky algae that showed up in Lake Murray a few years back. While it wasn’t harmful, it did bring some unpleasant tastes and odors to our tap water. That’s where some cool tech comes in — we’ll be getting ozone generating systems that cost around $40 million. These systems will help eliminate those funky tastes and odors, ensuring our water tastes fresh and clean.

The City’s Commitment

During a recent city council meeting, Mayor Tem Miles emphasized how vital this expansion is for the area. “It positions us to continue to provide good, safe, palatable water and as much of it as we need for the foreseeable future,” he said. Sounds great, right? With this expansion, West Columbia is going to have one of only five treatment facilities in South Carolina, and the only one in the Midlands, that uses this ozone technology!

So What’s Next?

While the expansion isn’t finished yet, construction is moving along nicely. Residents can expect these developments to roll out through the next few years, with the completion date mainly set for the first half of 2027. In the meantime, here’s a little reminder: Stay hydrated and enjoy that water while it’s fresh. Cheers to a brighter, greener, and more sustainable future, West Columbia!