Hot Springs – As part of the ongoing efforts to upgrade the City of Hot springs’ wastewater system, an effluent outfall pipeline and diffuser that have been in service for nearly 60 years will be replaced in Lake Catherine. The city will partner with Entergy Hydro Operation in December and January to lower Lake Catherine’s water level an additional two feet below the normal five-foot winter drawdown to allow access for the project.

The City of Hot Springs has contracted with Kajacs Construction Company to replace the existing effluent outfall pipeline and deteriorating outfall diffuser with a 54-inch, 1,900-foot effluent outfall pipeline and outfall diffuser. This new effluent outfall piping will run from the Davidson Drive Wastewater Treatment Plant to Lake Catherine, near the Carpenter Dam Bridge. 

The construction began on September 15 and is scheduled for completion in March 2026. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience while we repair this critical infrastructure component,” said Bill Burrough, Hot Springs City Manager. 

For questions and concerns, contact City Engineer Gary Carnahan at 501-321-6982 or gcarnahan@hotspringsar.gov.