MWA Bond Projects Deliver Major Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements

More than $111 million in projects are completed, underway or advancing through design and permitting

The Macon Water Authority continues to make significant progress on a series of bond-funded projects designed to strengthen the community’s water and wastewater infrastructure, improve reliability and prepare the system for future needs.

The projects represented in MWA’s August 6, 2026, status report total more than $111 million. They range from major improvements at water reclamation facilities to sewer rehabilitation, meter upgrades and projects intended to provide greater system reliability during emergencies.

Major Progress at Lower Poplar

One of the largest projects is the $18.4 million improvement of the influent pump station at the Lower Poplar Water Reclamation Facility.

The first phase has been completed, with three pumps placed into operation. As of the August 6 report, startup of three additional pumps in Phase II was scheduled for August 10. Final completion of the overall project is scheduled for September 29, 2026.

These pumps play a critical role by moving incoming wastewater through the treatment process. Improving the pump station helps strengthen operational reliability and increases MWA’s ability to manage wastewater flows effectively.

MWA is also advancing a separate $15.5 million electrical upgrade at Lower Poplar. The medium-voltage portion of that project is complete, and the next study will help guide the design of the facility’s low-voltage electrical improvements.

Sewer Rehabilitation Protects Existing Infrastructure

Approximately 5,000 linear feet of 24-inch sewer line along the Rocky Creek Interceptor has been successfully rehabilitated. This work is part of an approximately $11.2 million project that includes the rehabilitation of more than three miles of large-diameter sewer lines.

Rather than replacing every section through extensive excavation, portions of the system can be rehabilitated by installing a new lining inside the existing pipe. This process helps extend the pipe’s useful life while reducing excavation and disruption.

Additional sewer improvements include:

• Completion of the lining of an isolated 8-inch sewer pipe on Shurling Drive.
• Completion of the 18-inch sanitary sewer rehabilitation project on Joe Tamplin Boulevard. Testing is finished, the sewer is operational and all punch-list items have been completed.
• Preparation of a bypass system for the rehabilitation of approximately 3,400 feet of sewer near the Lower Rocky Creek Water Reclamation Facility.
• Continued planning for the replacement of the Ocmulgee East 24-inch force main.

Planning for Reliability and Future Growth

Design work is also progressing for approximately $19.3 million in rehabilitation improvements at the Rocky Creek Water Reclamation Facility. MWA has received a 60-percent design cost estimate and is evaluating priorities and potential construction bid packages.

A separate $18 million project would provide Rocky Creek with an alternative power source through Georgia Power. Soil and groundwater investigations have been conducted, and the 90-percent bid package for the project’s access road is expected this month.

These improvements are intended to make critical facilities more resilient and help MWA maintain dependable service during power disruptions and other emergencies.

MWA has also executed contracts and held a preconstruction meeting for the Allen Road–Echeconnee sanitary sewer extension. Required crossings involving Norfolk Southern and Georgia Power Transmission have been approved. MWA’s portion of that project is approximately $3.37 million.

Meter Modernization Continues Across the System

MWA’s $17 million systemwide meter replacement and advanced metering infrastructure project has entered a slow, phased rollout following the completion of initial testing.

Crews are averaging approximately two dozen scheduled meter-replacement appointments per week. The initial focus included Board of Education properties while schools were on summer break.

MWA is also coordinating with Macon-Bibb County to add two gateway sites. These sites would expand the system’s ability to remotely read more than 2,000 additional meters.

Modern metering technology can improve billing accuracy, reduce the need for manual meter readings and help MWA identify unusual water usage more efficiently.

Investing in Essential Services

Much of MWA’s water and wastewater infrastructure operates underground or inside treatment facilities, where customers may never see it. However, these systems work around the clock to deliver drinking water, collect wastewater and protect public health and the environment.

MWA will continue providing updates as projects reach important construction and completion milestones.

Project information is based on the Bond Projects Status Update presented at the August 6, 2026, MWA Board meeting. Project schedules, costs and construction activities may change as work progresses.

Media Contact
Rachad Hollis, Communications Specialist
Macon Water Authority
Phone: 478-464-5600
Email: rhollis@maconwater.org