In the short term, the RCWSA is planning to replace all three influent pumps at the SCWRF, which are over 30 years old and well beyond their useful life. These pumps take the wastewater coming into the facility and direct it to the aerators, the first step in the treatment process. Replacing them with new, up-to-date equipment will allow the facility run more efficiently as well as withstand high flow amounts during rain events.

Further down the road, we are planning the construction of an approximately 3-million-gallon equalization basin above the existing facility. An equalization basin is used to catch and retain excessive wastewater flows during rain events. It can then be held and released gradually into the main facility for proper processing and treatment. To help with the cost of this project, estimated at $3,500,000.00, the RCWSA is looking to secure a loan to use for the Preliminary Engineering Report, through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) under the Hurricane Helena funds allocated to the State of Georgia. Design and land acquisition will follow. This project is tentatively scheduled to begin in 3-5 years, between 2028 and 2030.