15 Mar 2026 Water for tomorrow

Posted at 3:05 PMh in News by

By Beth Jimmerson

Water is essential to our everyday lives, but we don’t often think about it. We turn on the tap, and it’s there. Clean, safe and reliable. But behind every glass of water is a vast, carefully managed system and decades of planning to ensure Conway has what it needs today and for generations to come.

For nearly 100 years, Conway Corp has collected, treated and delivered drinking water to the community. Today, more than 70,000 residents depend on that system every day. Ensuring it remains reliable, resilient and prepared for future challenges is a responsibility we take seriously.

While Conway’s current water supply continues to meet demand, water is not a limitless resource. Population growth, weather variability and long-term environmental changes all reinforce the importance of thoughtful planning, investment and conservation to ensure Conway has enough water for generations to come.

A System Built on Planning

Conway’s primary water source is Brewer Lake, a 28,900-acre-feet lake near Plumerville. Water from the lake is treated at the Roger Q Mills Water Treatment Plant, where it is filtered, disinfected and tested multiple times each day before being delivered through more than 400 miles of underground water mains across the city.

Maintaining this system requires constant effort. Conway Corp crews work around the clock to monitor water quality, maintain infrastructure and ensure reliable service. Much of today’s dependable system exists because of decisions made decades ago — planning that anticipated growth and future needs long before they became realities. And that same long-term approach continues today.

Investing in Conway’s Water Future

Conway Corp is in one of the most significant periods of water-system investment in its history. Over the next five years, more than $75 million will be invested in projects that maintain, repair, protect and upgrade the water system — all while keeping water rates as affordable as possible for customers.

Major initiatives include an 8-million-gallon-per-day expansion of the Roger Q Mills plant, which will increase capacity to 32 MGD. Plans are also underway to construct a second raw water line from Brewer Lake to Conway, further strengthening reliability and increasing capacity to support future growth.

In addition to local improvements, Conway Corp is working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and regional partners to explore additional long-term water sources, including potential new allocations from Greers Ferry Lake.

Partnerships with Community Water System, the Conway County Regional Water Distribution District and the Mid-Arkansas Water Alliance are helping evaluate solutions that could benefit communities across Central Arkansas.

Water projects take time — often decades — from planning to completion. Just as Conway benefits today from investments made in the 1970s, the work underway now is designed to ensure adequate water supplies not only for today, but for 50 years and beyond.

Why Conservation Matters

Infrastructure alone cannot protect Conway’s water future. Conservation plays a critical role in preserving the resources we already have.

Even with expanded treatment capacity and additional supply planning, water must be used wisely. Every gallon saved helps reduce strain on the system, protects natural water sources and extends the life of existing infrastructure. Small, everyday actions — such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, limiting outdoor watering and being mindful during high-demand periods — collectively make a meaningful difference.

Conservation also helps protect the environment. Responsible water use supports healthier lakes and watersheds, improves water quality and ensures that future generations inherit a resource as dependable as the one we rely on today. Water conservation is not about restriction — it’s about stewardship. Using water efficiently today helps ensure there is enough tomorrow.

A Shared Responsibility

Water is foundational to Conway’s quality of life and continued growth. Through careful planning, significant investment and strong regional partnerships, Conway Corp is taking proactive steps to secure a safe and reliable water supply for decades to come. But protecting water is a shared responsibility. When the community works together to use water wisely, it strengthens the system for everyone.

For nearly a century, Conway Corp has been committed to delivering reliable, affordable and clean water to this community. That commitment remains unchanged. From the lake to the treatment plant to the tap, the focus is on protecting a vital resource — today and for the future.

Beth Jimmerson
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