Columbia celebrates end of $31 million water treatment plant improvement project

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is unveiling $31 million in improvements to its water treatment plant Monday afternoon with a dedication ceremony, after years of discussion and work.

The city will host the dedication at 2:30 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting, speakers including Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and a tour of the facility, according to a city press release.

The McBaine Water Treatment Plant, located at 6851 W. Route K, has been upgraded to treat over 32 million gallons of water per day and to update or rehabilitate its equipment, according to a press release. This will improve water quality and meet water demands.

The project's cost has risen significantly since it was first introduced as a $24 million project in 2022.

The Columbia City Council approved a 10% water rate increase in August. Utilities Director Erin Keys told ABC 17 News at the time that it was because of inflation.

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