Hard Labor Creek Treatment Plant: ‘Major milestone’ project begins

Ceremonial shovels dug in during a groundbreaking ceremony of the new Hard Labor Creek Water treatment facility on May 16. County officials said the project is a major milestone for our community’s future as it will ensure reliable, clean water for generations to come for Walton County. Photo courtesy Walton County Government

County officials ventured to Hard Labor Creek for the official start of the new county water treatment facility.

“This is a big step for the county,” Walton Chairman David Thompson told The Walton Tribune. “We presently purchase all of our water through Newton County and Cornish Creek Reservoir with plans to build our own freshwater treatment plant.”

Thompson said a $46.2 million grant has been secured for the project.

“That helped us to see the daylight to move forward,” Thompson said. “At least 46 million won’t have to be paid back so that helps Walton County tremendously.”

The first phase will provide 12 million gallons of water per day. Walton presently uses between 6.8 and 8 million gallons a day depending on whether there are drought conditions, Thompson said.

“The first phase alone should last us for several years to come,” the chairman said.

The project will take 2.5 years. Thompson said he hopes toward end of 2027 things will be ready.

“Like any of our capital projects we have gotten past the rock stage on this one,” Thompson said. “This site is designed to be added on to as the water needs increase over the years for the county. There will be a 64 million gallon a day capacity should take care of our water needs for the next 150 years.”

The chairman said water is a necessary thing and he is glad to have the county’s needs secured for a long time.

“You read about where other places are maxing out on their water supply,” the chairman said “New data centers use a lot of water and they are locating here due to reasonable power rates but they do need water.”