Hailey
A significant milestone was reached in Valley Center, Kansas, as city officials and residents came together to celebrate the groundbreaking of a long-awaited water treatment plant.
This infrastructure project marks a transformative step for the city, which currently relies on an arrangement where it sells untreated water to Wichita, only to purchase it back after treatment.
The completion of this new facility will give Valley Center full control over its water purification process, ensuring a more efficient and self-reliant system.
A Major Leap Toward Water Self-Sufficiency
Currently, Valley Center does not have its own water treatment capabilities. Instead, it supplies raw water to the City of Wichita, which treats it and sells it back for local consumption.
This dependency is both costly and inefficient. With the construction of the new facility, the city will gain the ability to process up to 1.4 million gallons of potable water per day, significantly boosting its autonomy and long-term sustainability.
Project Funding and Strategic Partnerships
The $19 million water treatment facility is being financed through the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund, a state program that offers low-interest loans for public water infrastructure projects.
The initiative underscores the importance of investing in clean water access and modernizing utility systems across Kansas.
The design-build process is being led by two renowned engineering and construction firms: Burns & McDonnell and CAS. Their combined expertise ensures that the plant will meet both current demands and future growth needs.
Timeline and Construction Milestones
The construction phase of the project is scheduled to begin in July 2025, with a projected completion date set for early 2027.
Once operational, the plant will represent a major achievement for Valley Center, aligning with broader regional goals to enhance water infrastructure and public health.
Economic and Community Impact
Beyond improving water quality and reliability, the project is expected to stimulate local economic development.
The construction process will generate jobs, and the long-term operational savings could allow the city to reallocate funds to other community services and infrastructure needs.
Moreover, residents will benefit from increased water security and reduced reliance on external treatment sources.
The launch of Valley Center’s new water treatment plant represents more than just a construction project—it’s a forward-looking investment in the city’s future.
With a $19 million investment, support from the Kansas Public Water Supply Loan Fund, and leadership from experienced engineering firms, Valley Center is on the path to greater independence and water sustainability.
Once completed in 2027, the facility will mark a new chapter in how the city manages and delivers one of its most vital resources.