The rehab project at Aragon’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is complete.

Aragon’s wastewater facility, permitted to treat 170,000 gallons per day, was built in the 1960s and serves about 300 customers. No additional acreage was needed since the plant was not expanded, only modified.

A group from the Polk County Water Authority (PCWA) met Tuesday afternoon with Aragon Mayor Ken Suffridge and others for a final tour of the site.

“It is amazing how much construction and equipment costs has increased since this project was first discussed,” Suffridge said.

He said, while the upgrade is welcomed and appreciated, he hopes a dialog can soon begin on addressing additional sewer capacity to serve the western side of Aragon.

“It was a top priority when I was elected Mayor, and continues to carry a very high ranking,” he said.

Jack Damron, general manager, PCWA, said the upgrade included key operating and mechanical components, electronics, safety and security. These have been replaced and will provide significant improvement to efficiency and safety, he said.

Chairman Harold McDurmon, PCWA, extended congratulations to the management, board and R.J. Woods Company for commitment to the project during the past several years.

“The Aragon plant is only one of the many projects that we are tasked to complete,” he said.

He referred to the following:

Polk County Water Authority recently 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. The $52,373.37 upgrade construction contract was let to Benny Hubbard Enterprises.

Electrical work, estimated to cost up to $100,000, was also needed at the site. Hopes are to have all work completed by January.

There is a need to capture water flowing away from the current enclosure at Deaton Spring. This project is estimated to cost $1 million.

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.

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.