HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE, Ark. (September 18, 2026) The Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association (HSVPOA) is moving ahead with the Cedar Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant project, a $36+million investment to modernize and consolidate the community’s wastewater infrastructure, enhance environmental protection, and support future growth. 

The project represents the largest wastewater infrastructure investment in Hot Springs Village history and is the result of several years of engineering analysis and long-term planning. 

“This project is an investment in the future of Hot Springs Village,” said Ken Unger, General Manager of HSV POA. “Reliable infrastructure is essential to protecting our community, preserving our natural resources, and maintaining the high level of service our members expect. This investment allows us to meet today’s needs while preparing for the Village’s continued growth.” 

Planning began in 2022 after engineering studies identified opportunities to improve system reliability and address recurring capacity challenges during moderate rainfall events. Rather than investing in major upgrades at two aging wastewater treatment facilities, engineers recommended expanding the Cedar Creek facility and consolidating treatment operations into a single, modern plant. 

Once completed, the project is expected to deliver significant long-term benefits, including improved environmental protection through reduced risk of sanitary sewer overflows; enhanced compliance with state environmental regulations; modern infrastructure to support residential and commercial growth; elimination of costly upgrades at the existing Mill Creek treatment plant; and approximately $800,000 in annual operational savings through efficiencies in energy use, chemical consumption, maintenance, and staffing. 

Several supporting components are already complete or underway, including improvements to the Cortez Lift Station and installation of a new 7.6-mile sanitary sewer force main. Additional system upgrades will continue as part of the broader wastewater modernization effort. 

Construction has started with gaining the final approval by the HSVPOA Board of Directors, and completion is expected in late 2028. 

HSVPOA has allocated $7 million in its 2026 budget toward the project. Remaining construction costs are expected to be financed through long-term, tax-exempt bonds. A recent water and wastewater rate study determined the project can be supported through utility revenues with moderate rate adjustments over time. 

The project was reviewed by the Public Services Committee and the Finance & Planning Committee before being presented to the HSVPOA Board of Directors for consideration at its July meeting. 

“While projects like this are largely out of sight once completed, they are among the most important investments a community can make,” Unger said. “They protect public health, safeguard the environment, and ensure reliable infrastructure for generations to come.”