Here & There | LeeTedford | Conway Corp Water

Описание: Lee Tedford, Conway Corp Manager, Water Systems joins Here and There to explain where Conway’s water comes from, how it’s treated, and why conservation matters. The discussion highlights the true cost of delivering safe drinking water, the importance of being good stewards of this finite resource, and how long-term planning ensures Conway can support future growth while maintaining reliable service for the community.

💧 Where Conway’s water comes from: Brewer Lake, north of Plummerville, built in 1983 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

📈 Lake expansion: After a 2005 drought, the lake level was raised six feet, increasing storage to about 9.2 billion gallons at full pool.

📉 Current lake level: About 9.5 feet below full pool due to recent drought conditions and low rainfall; snowfall doesn’t significantly replenish the lake.

🤝 Shared resource: Brewer Lake supplies both Conway and Conway County, requiring coordination between systems.

🏗️ Infrastructure improvements:

Water treatment plant expanding from 24 to 32 million gallons per day.

A second 36-inch pipeline is being installed to improve reliability and redundancy.

💰 Why water isn’t “free”: Costs include pumping, treatment, storage, infrastructure, maintenance, and delivery across 440 miles of pipe.

🌱 Conservation matters: Simple steps like turning off water while brushing teeth, running full laundry/dishwasher loads, and mindful use help protect supply.

🚦 Curtailment plan: Five phases based on lake levels; Phase 1 is voluntary conservation and begins at 320 feet.

🔮 Looking ahead: Brewer Lake won’t meet long-term growth alone; Conway Corp is planning for future alternative water sources, a process that can take decades.

👷 Ongoing maintenance: Crews replace aging pipes and respond to winter main breaks to ensure safe, reliable service.

Overall message: Water is a finite resource, Conway Corp is planning ahead, and everyone can help by being good stewards of water today.