Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Northwest Arkansas Council will launch a comprehensive water reclamation study. The initiative is designed to support the Arkansas Water Plan and guide future wastewater infrastructure improvements across Northwest Arkansas.
The study, which will be carried out by Hawkins-Weir Engineers, is expected to evaluate existing wastewater systems and recommend upgrades and expansions. It comes as communities in the state’s fastest-growing region experience mounting pressure on their sewer and water systems.
“Arkansas is growing, and nowhere do we see that more than in Northwest Arkansas,” Governor Sanders said. “That growth brings opportunity but also new challenges, which is why my administration has stepped up with a complete review of the state water plan and administration of more than $2.6 billion in water system upgrades. This comprehensive study for our state’s fastest-growing region will add to those efforts and help ensure Arkansas can continue to welcome new residents with the resources they expect and need.”
The study, with a budget of $1,049,000, will be divided into three distinct phases: development, engagement, and implementation. During the development phase, Hawkins-Weir Engineers will assess current infrastructure and identify weaknesses or limitations in wastewater management. The engagement phase will involve collaboration with regional and local stakeholders, while the implementation phase will guide future infrastructure investments aligned with both local needs and state priorities.
Collaborative Effort to Protect Public Health and Spur Economic Growth
Officials say the project represents a strong collaboration between state leadership and regional planners. Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward emphasized the importance of working together to make smart infrastructure decisions. “This partnership with the Northwest Arkansas Council reflects the collaboration needed to effectively and efficiently guide infrastructure investments in an area of rapid growth while ensuring availability of critical water resources for future generations,” he stated.
Nelson Peacock, President and CEO of the Northwest Arkansas Council, said the study is vital to the region’s continued development. “Northwest Arkansas’s ability to grow depends on how we plan and invest in critical infrastructure. This wastewater study is an essential first step to understand the region’s future needs. Some cities are already constrained by sewer capacity. Without a coordinated strategy, we risk stalled development, public health challenges, and higher costs across the state. By planning together, we can ensure every community has the capacity it needs to grow.”
Chris Colclasure, Director of the Department’s Natural Resources Division, also emphasized the broader impact of the project. “This study will help ensure that Northwest Arkansas communities can grow while protecting vital water resources. By aligning regional planning with the state’s water priorities, we are creating a model for addressing infrastructure challenges across Arkansas.”
The study follows Executive Order 23-27, issued by Governor Sanders in 2023, which launched a full review and update of the Arkansas Water Plan. That order laid the groundwork for assessing the state’s management of water resources, addressing everything from water quality to future supply and demand.
Since taking office, Governor Sanders has made water infrastructure a central focus, with over $2.6 billion already invested in projects across all 75 counties in Arkansas. The new study reinforces that commitment, aiming to equip communities in Northwest Arkansas with the tools needed to grow sustainably and meet the needs of future generations.
