Lora Scripps

Fayetteville Public Utilities has reached the halfway point of its $30 million water infrastructure rehabilitation project, marking significant progress in the multi-year effort to modernize the city’s aging water system. Since construction began in May 2025, crews have replaced more than 47,000 feet of aging water lines with approximately 48,000 feet remaining. The project has also included the installation of 44 insertion valves, with five remaining, allowing sections of the system to be isolated more efficiently during maintenance or emergency repairs. In addition, 46 new fire hydrants have been installed, with 44 still scheduled for replacement. Crews have just 10 asphalt repair locations remaining as work continues throughout the city. “Our goal has always been to build a water system that will serve Fayetteville for generations to come,” said FPU CEO/General Manager Britt Dye. “Reaching this milestone is a testament to the hard work of our employees and contractors. While there is still important work ahead, customers are already benefiting from a stronger, more reliable water system.” The three-and-a-half-year project focuses on replacing aging water lines and upgrading critical infrastructure throughout Fayetteville. Much of the city’s water system was installed during the 1950s and 1960s and has reached the point where significant reinvestment is necessary to ensure long-term reliability. The rehabilitation project builds on more than two decades of continued investment to strengthen Fayetteville’s water system. In 2016, FPU completed construction of its new water treatment plant featuring advanced ultrafiltration membrane technology which improved both water quality and treatment reliability. The utility has also constructed the Holman Tank, replaced the Howell Tank with a new structure that tripled its previous storage capacity and fully upgraded two pump stations, with improvements to a third pump station planned. Earlier this year, additional ultrafiltration membranes were installed at the water treatment plant to further expand treatment capabilities. Throughout the past 20 years, water line extensions and targeted replacements have also been completed as needed across the system.