Three major projects, totaling about $2 million, are underway or planned by the Polk County Water Authority (PCWA).

“We will be spending a lot of money with these three projects to provide clean water to current and future customers,” said Jack Damron, general manager.

Construction is nearing completion on the rehab work at the Aragon Wastewater Treatment Plant. The contract, totaling $955,501, was awarded to W. F. Floyd Construction, Inc.

Damron said the rehabilitation upgrade came after more than 15 years of discussion

“A lot of people came together to make it happen,” he said.

The rehab includes replacement of mechanical equipment for the influent lift station, pumps, aeration basin aerators, secondary clarifier, return and waste sludge pumps and replacement of the existing lab, control and electrical building project.

Aragon’s wastewater facility was built in the 1960s and serves about 300 customers. No additional acreage was needed since the plant is not being expanded, only modified.

The existing plant is permitted to treat about 170,000 gallons per day, according to Damron.

“We looked at capacity issues and determined that no real growth is anticipated in our coverage area,” he said. “Today, the plant has more than sufficient capacity to handle its current work.”

Polk County Water Authority has also closed on a land deal with J.L. Lester & Son for about 10 acres of property (estimated cost at $5,000 per acre) around and across from Mulco Springs.

This property was the only land PCWA did not own at one of its water sources.

The spring pump head was included in the detailed agreement with Jimmy Lester.

Future plans are to build a water filtration plant at the spring site. Due to the location, PCWA can also pump water from Ammon and Mulco into the plant.

“It is part of our future vision of providing a good water supply to our customers,” Damron said.

The spring provides from 600 to 650,000 gallons per day, but has a capacity of a million gallons per day.

An existing facility is located at the Mulco site, which includes a pump, pump house and tank. These plus the electrical system are in need of an upgrade.

The $52,373.37 construction contract has been let to Benny Hubbard Enterprises. Work is scheduled to begin immediately.

Once this is completed, a bid will be let for the electrical contract at an estimated cost of up to $100,000. Hopes are to have all work completed by January.

PCWA’s third project — anticipated $1 million cost — includes an enclosure at Deaton Spring. A water plant is located near the site and takes care of usage.

However, there is a need to capture water flowing away from the current enclosure.

Plans are to reinforce and rebuild the enclosure to conserve water for current and future use. A new pump house will be placed to protect the spring from debris, bad weather or other unexpected event.

Ronnie J. Wood, R. J. Wood and Company, is currently working to securing permits from EPD and the Army Corps of Engineers. He spoke to board members at Monday’s August meeting about progress made.

Deaton provides about 2 million gallons per day but has a capacity to deliver up to 4 million gallons.

PCWA board members pointed out that the project will not only conserve a major water source but the site will be protected for up to 30 years.