Building a Legacy of Clean, Reliable Water: Modernizing McCarrons Treatment Plant
Published in the Spring 2025 edition of Customer Service Connections
Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) is proud to invest in the future of our community by modernizing the McCarrons Water Treatment Plant—an essential upgrade that will ensure clean, safe drinking water for generations to come. This milestone project reflects our long-standing commitment to delivering high-quality water with greater efficiency, reliability, and adaptability to meet the evolving needs of our customers.
Construction began in early spring 2022 and focuses on replacing and upgrading the first half of the water treatment process. By summer 2025, the new facilities will be fully operational, ushering in a new era of enhanced water treatment that maintains the trusted quality our customers have relied on for over a century.
The project’s primary goals are to improve facility reliability and increase flexibility in addressing changing water conditions and emerging contaminants. The infrastructure being replaced dates back to the 1920s and 1930s—systems that have faithfully served our community for decades but have become increasingly difficult to maintain. The new facility will feature modern, state-of-the-art equipment designed for durability and efficiency, ensuring uninterrupted water service even if individual components require maintenance.
A key innovation in the upgraded plant is the introduction of ozone as part of the treatment process. Ozone is a powerful, fast-acting disinfectant that effectively breaks down contaminants of emerging concern—trace substances whose long-term health effects are still being studied. Because ozone rapidly dissipates, no traces will remain in the water once it leaves the treatment plant. This advanced technology enhances water quality while supporting our commitment to public health and environmental stewardship.
Before construction began, SPRWS conducted a full year of small-scale testing to verify the effectiveness of the new treatment processes. As an added layer of safety, the existing treatment systems will remain operational for approximately three months during the transition, ensuring continuous water service.
This modernization project is more than just an upgrade—it’s an investment in the health and well-being of our community. By combining time-tested processes with cutting-edge technology, SPRWS is building a future where clean, reliable water remains a source of pride for Saint Paul and all of our customers.