Ozark Mtn Regional PWA

Ozark Mtn Regional PWA Municipal Water Report Info

Since the mid-1980s, efforts have been underway to secure safe, abundant water supplies for Boone, Newton, and Searcy Counties. Many approaches were evaluated during this time. An early plan proposed damming Bear Creek, a Buffalo National River tributary, but environmental concerns halted that proposal.

In 2004, twenty-two water associations formed an alliance to pursue sustainable solutions. They selected Engineering Services, Inc. of Springdale to lead this important infrastructure project. After examining multiple options, the Alliance decided to draw water from Lake Bull Shoals, treat it properly, and distribute it through approximately 110 miles of pipeline over several years.

Two critical needs areas were identified for initial development. The Mt. Sherman Water Association in Newton County was operating under restrictions from the State Health Department due to excessive naturally occurring radium in their groundwater. Engineers proposed connecting Jasper to Mt. Sherman via a 4-inch main line with appropriate lift stations to dilute the contaminated supply temporarily until lake water could reach the Jasper area.

The second priority area was in Searcy County, where water systems faced problems with excess radon, radium, and fluoride, coupled with occasional supply shortages. The plan called for upgrading Marshall's water system and adding storage capacity to provide additional water to neighboring systems.

In 2006, the Alliance transformed into a public water authority, enabling project financing through construction bonds and eminent domain powers. A nine-member Board of Directors with three representatives from each county governed the Authority as work continued on addressing critical needs areas.

In October 2008, potential Federal stimulus funding became available. This opportunity could accelerate completion of the entire project. Engineers shifted focus from immediate needs to developing comprehensive plans for the whole system. Key decisions about intake and treatment plant locations were made, and numerous meetings with regulatory agencies ensured compliance with all requirements.

On October 6, 2009, the project received $55,728,000 in ARRA stimulus funding. After receiving the final water allocation from the Corps of Engineers on August 17, 2010, construction bids were opened in November. While pipeline bids met expectations, treatment plant and pumping station costs exceeded estimates. After modifications to reduce expenses, contracts were formally accepted on December 16, 2010, with ARRA funding closing on December 29, 2010. The three-year construction phase began on March 1, 2011.