As Saint Paul residents turn their faucets, they may notice something doesn't look different, but it surely is. The Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) has activated the updated McCarron’s Water Treatment Plant, heralding a shift in how the metropolis and surrounding areas will access water. According to a statement obtained by the Saint Paul Government, the city has poured $250 million into the venture, signaling its largest project to date. This investment addresses the plant's dated equipment, some hailing from as far back as the 1920s.
Speaking on the development, Mayor Carter emphasized the importance of the project: "Clean water is important to every child, every family, every business; every aspect of our city relies on the water that’s treated here,” he told Saint Paul Government. These changes are meant to arm the system against impending water quality challenges. Among the enhancements, a cutting-edge ozone treatment process aims to remove contaminants effectively without the residual chemicals typically left.
Demolition of old structures for the upgrade began in 2022, followed by a flurry of construction starting in October 2022. SPRWS maintained water service during the transition by running new systems parallel to the old. However, completion and full online integration of the plant are anticipated by mid-2026. Beyond the heavy machinery and bustling construction, SPRWS also plans to wrap up other facility enhancements, including a fresh lab, a learning center, and landscaping, by the end of 2026, to provide a comprehensive refurbishment of the water treatment infrastructure.
SPRWS, serving approximately 450,000 people, manages an impressive 40 million gallons of treated water daily. McCarron’s plant's recent upgrades earned it the President’s Award for Water Treatment, placing it among a select group of 31 facilities across the nation distinguished for water quality, as highlighted by the Saint Paul Government. SPRWS General Manager Racquel Vaske put the project into perspective, stating, "This modernization is more than an upgrade—it’s an investment in our community’s health and well-being.”
