A Major Upgrade for Everyday Infrastructure

Knoxville Utilities Board is nearing completion of a nearly $70 million expansion at the Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant.

The facility, which marks its 100th anniversary in 2026, provides treated water to KUB's service area of more than 82,000 water connections.

Officials describe the project as a way to strengthen reliability and make critical equipment easier to maintain without interrupting service.

What Is Being Added

The expansion includes six new water filters designed for a combined treatment capacity of about 38 million gallons per day.

It also adds a pumping station, backwash equipment and other specialized systems.

By providing additional equipment and operational flexibility, the upgrades can reduce vulnerability when existing components require repair or maintenance.

Why It Matters

A dependable water system is essential not just for homes but also for hospitals, restaurants, schools and industrial employers.

The work represents a long-term infrastructure investment rather than a change customers will necessarily notice at their faucets on the first day.

The plant expansion is reported as nearly complete, not yet fully commissioned.

What Happens Next

Final commissioning and operational testing will determine when every new component begins routine service.

Readers should look to KUB for specific updates about completion and any resulting water-service advisories.

The project illustrates how an older utility facility can be modernized for future growth while continuing to serve current customers.