In late 2020, the Authority authorized KPI to conduct a detailed review of the hydraulic efficiency of the South Plant’s post‑equalization and UV disinfection systems. This study identified several hydraulic challenges, prompting KPI to evaluate a range of feasible alternatives to improve flow management and system performance. After researching potential solutions and discussing them with our Long Range Planning Committee, a comprehensive improvement plan was developed. The estimated project cost was set at $1,045,575, which includes the Digester Conversion component added during project refinement.

Permitting and planning began in 2021, and in April 2022, the Digester Conversion was formally incorporated into the project scope. To support the work, the Authority applied for grant funding in December 2022 and successfully secured an LSA grant for the project. The project advanced to procurement with bidding released in November 2024, and construction officially began in May 2025.

This multi‑year effort strengthens the South Plant’s treatment reliability, improves hydraulic performance, and modernizes critical disinfection infrastructure to support long‑term operational sustainability.