Alcoa, TN, October 14, 2025
News Summary
The Alcoa Water Treatment Plant has received the Bob Freudenthal Public Utility Project of the Year Award for its significant upgrade in chemical generation systems. This accolade recognizes the plant’s commitment to innovation and safety in water purification. The newly installed hypochlorite generator, completed in April, enhances water quality and efficiency in the treatment process. This upgrade not only reinforces the facility’s standing in the community but also demonstrates the importance of public utility projects in ensuring safe drinking water.
Alcoa, Tennessee – The Alcoa Water Treatment Plant has been recognized with the prestigious Bob Freudenthal Public Utility Project of the Year Award from the Tennessee Chapter of the American Public Works Association. This award honors public sector projects that exhibit exceptional importance and innovation in utility services.
The award was granted for a significant upgrade to the plant’s chemical generation systems, specifically the installation of a new hypochlorite generator designed to enhance water safety standards. The implementation of this generator was completed in April 2024, and the award was presented in September 2024.
The Alcoa Water Treatment Plant, located on Sam Houston School Road, has been an essential facility for the community since its establishment in 2007. It replaced an older facility and has since received multiple accolades, including the “Best Tasting Water” award.
The upgraded chemical generation system is vital for converting salt into sodium hypochlorite, a key component in making drinking water safe. The hypochlorite generator, purchased for over $500,000, was installed by city staff, which helped save on labor costs and streamline the installation process.
Water Purification Process
The purification process at the Alcoa Water Treatment Plant begins at the Little River intake, where massive pipes transport water into the facility. Currently, only one of the intake pipes is in use. Once inside, the water undergoes multiple stages of purification through large tanks equipped with various filters. Some filters target larger debris, while others, using fiber cassettes, remove smaller contaminants.
The chemical treatment process involves adding necessary substances to balance water acidity and ensure cleanliness. This meticulous process typically takes hours and can vary depending on the daily water demand. The facility processes between 6 million and 9 million gallons of water each day but has a maximum capacity of up to 16 million gallons.
Operational Advancements
Operators at the plant continuously monitor pressure levels and manage critical parameters, including water intake and contamination levels. The new hypochlorite generator offers several advantages, including reducing hydrogen gas byproducts and negating the need for purchasing pre-made bleach. The local production of sodium hypochlorite also provides a more stable and reliable chemical supply compared to commercially sourced alternatives.
The installation of the new generator was complex, requiring careful customization of fittings and alignment with the existing infrastructure. A dedicated team of five employees worked diligently for several weeks, coordinating with the manufacturer to troubleshoot challenges during the setup. Since its activation, the generator has successfully produced the necessary chemicals for ensuring safe drinking water.
Plant Supervisor Russell Whitehead has expressed pride in the team’s training and the quality of the work done, highlighting the facility’s commitment to providing safe and clean water to Alcoa’s residents.
Award Significance
The recognition from the Tennessee Chapter of the American Public Works Association solidifies the Alcoa Water Treatment Plant’s standing as a leader in public utility project implementation and innovation. Continuous improvements and a dedication to maintaining high standards in water purification underscore the facility’s importance to the community it serves.
Summary
In conclusion, the Alcoa Water Treatment Plant’s recent upgrade and subsequent recognition highlight the critical role of innovative public utility projects in ensuring community health and safety.
FAQ
What recent award did the Alcoa Water Treatment Plant receive?
The Alcoa Water Treatment Plant was awarded the Bob Freudenthal Public Utility Project of the Year Award by the Tennessee Chapter of the American Public Works Association.
What was the purpose of the awarded project?
The award-winning project involved replacing a machine that converts salt into sodium hypochlorite, essential for making water safe to drink.
When was the hypochlorite generator project completed?
The project was completed in April 2024 and received the award in September 2024.
How does the Alcoa Water Treatment Plant purify water?
The water purification process begins at the Little River intake through massive pipes. The water undergoes multiple stages of purification, involving large tanks and various filters to remove larger and smaller contaminants.
What is the typical daily water processing capacity of the Alcoa Water Treatment Plant?
The plant usually processes between 6 million and 9 million gallons of water per day but has a capacity of up to 16 million gallons.
Key Features of Alcoa Water Treatment Plant Upgrade
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Award | Bob Freudenthal Public Utility Project of the Year Award |
| Project Completion Date | April 2024 |
| Award Presentation Date | September 2024 |
| Cost of Generator | Over $500,000 |
| Daily Processing Capacity | 6 million to 9 million gallons (up to 16 million gallons capacity) |
| Awards Received | Best Tasting Water award |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Alcircle: Alcoa’s WA Bauxite Expansion Under Review Amid Water Supply Study
- Wikipedia: Water Supply
- The Guardian: Perth Water Supply Risk Alcoa Bauxite Mining
- Google Search: Alcoa Bauxite Mining
- NC Newsline: Just Add Water – Alcoa Proposes Discharging Cyanide into Badin Lake
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Environmental Impact of Aluminum Production
- 14 News: Environmental Groups Accuse Alcoa of Dumping Illegal Amounts of Mercury into Ohio River
- Google News: Alcoa Mercury Dump
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
