Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders recently announced that the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Northwest Arkansas Council will conduct a comprehensive water reclamation study to guide future wastewater infrastructure investments in Northwest Arkansas and inform the Arkansas Water Plan.
“Arkansas is growing and nowhere do we see that more than in Northwest Arkansas,” Sanders said. “That growth brings opportunity but also new challenges, which is why my administration has stepped up with a complete review of the state water plan and administration of more than $2.6 billion in water system upgrades. This comprehensive study for our state’s fastest-growing region will add to those efforts and help ensure Arkansas can continue to welcome new residents with the resources they expect and need.”
Northwest Arkansas is one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, with communities in Benton and Washington counties adding about 36 people every day. The region has grown by more than 13,000 residents in the past year and projections show the population could exceed 1 million by 2050, placing further pressure on infrastructure.
This rapid growth brings considerable opportunity but also strains systems that were not designed to handle the pace. Wastewater systems are nearing capacity in several cities and projects are already being delayed or scaled back because of limited treatment and pipeline capabilities. In some communities, aging infrastructure and rising demand have already impeded new development.
Until now, most cities have managed wastewater on their own. That approach worked when growth was slower but it is no longer sufficient. As the region expands beyond existing urban corridors, a coordinated regional solution is needed to support housing, business investment and workforce growth.
The study, led by Hawkins-Weir Engineers, will take 18 months and consist of three phases: development, engagement and implementation.
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Phase I – Development: Create a coordinated plan that outlines where wastewater infrastructure is needed most and how it can best serve the region.
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Phase II – Engagement: Share the plan with local leaders and the public, explain regional priorities and gather feedback to strengthen the strategy.
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Phase III – Implementation: Refine the recommendations based on feedback, assess costs and funding options and establish a step-by-step roadmap to guide future investments.
“Northwest Arkansas’ ability to grow depends on how we plan and invest in critical infrastructure,” said Nelson Peacock, president and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council. “This wastewater study is an essential first step to understand the region’s future needs. Some cities are already constrained by sewer capacity. Without a coordinated strategy, we risk stalled development, public health challenges and higher costs across the state. By planning together, we can ensure every community has the capacity it needs to grow.”
The Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission has long championed this issue, calling attention to the mounting strain on wastewater systems and advocating for regional solutions. Their leadership helped bring together state and local partners to make the study possible.
While the study will not provide immediate relief to projects currently waiting on capacity, its findings will guide future wastewater investments, ensuring taxpayer and ratepayer dollars are spent efficiently and that regional infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
