Nine years in the making, the new Morehead Utility Plant Board Water Treatment Plant is up and running. The completion of the third phase of construction was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony last week. The new plant faced delays, many of them financial, but now has capabilities far surpassing any other in the state.
Officials recognized the culmination of years of work to overcome delays due to permits, federal legislation, and COVID-19. Before the pandemic, the new plant was projected to cost $28 million. Post-COVID, it came in at $53 million.
Holly McGrath-Rosas, General Manager of the MUPB, said it wasn’t fair to pass that extra cost on to consumers. So, local officials from all levels came together to secure funding from the state.
“The $18 million was to assist in the overages that were a direct relation to COVID. So, I didn’t have to put that back on the rate payers,” said McGrath-Rosas.
To make up the rest of the cost officials struck a deal with the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority for a loan. Stephen West, Senator for Kentucky’s 27th District, said that agreement was vital to the success of the project.
“There’s going to be a $45 million KIA loan at half a percent interest. So, it’s not just about the funding, it’s about the interest rate as well. Where else can you go and get a half percent interest rate?” said West.
McGrath-Rosas said this low interest rate will save Morehead, Rowan County and its taxpayers $20 million in what would have been regular interest rate fees.
Long before the water makes it to your faucet, the new plant draws it directly from an intake site a mile away at Cave Run Lake. McGrath-Rosas said it’s a big improvement from the old plant, which pulled from the Licking River.
“We have a lot more control of the quality of water we get. We were at the mercy of whatever the dam would discharge. Sometimes they would give us turbid and really organic-y water,” said McGrath-Rosas.
Once the water from the new intake gets to the plant it’s pushed through ultrafiltration membranes that remove dirt and harmful particles. Officials said the membrane alone has proven strong enough for the water to be drinkable. All the new equipment can be seen on a walking tour of the plant.
In addition to the membranes, the plant utilizes a series of Granular Activated Carbon, or GAC, tanks. Officials said the tanks give the water a better taste while filtering out chemicals, including PFAS, often referred to as forever chemicals. Justin Perkins, Assistant Superintendent of the water plant, said the EPA is likely to start cracking down on PFAS with a zero-tolerance rule.
“If they ever detect PFAS in your water you fail. So, GAC will remove it. It is the only real cost-effective way of removing it, but we’re prepared for that,” said Perkins.
Speaking of tests, the plant is equipped with laboratories where they can test the water and produce chemicals like chlorine and fluoride in-house.
Rocky Adkins, the Governor’s Senior Advisor, was there at the ribbon cutting. He said infrastructure like the water plant are critical in keeping the region competitive for generations to come.
“When we make decisions on how to spend those tax dollars, I think infrastructure is one of the most important areas we can put that money, along with other things, but infrastructure is a must if we really want to grow in the future,” said Adkins.
Officials said the plant is prepared to service nearly 2,800 households and is configured for easy expansion. While it is fully functional as is, a fourth stage of development is underway with an above water tank being added to assist in pressurization and lower energy costs. More information and tours are available at mupd.com