Water district in Scott County planning expansion

BENTON, Mo. --- Scott County's Public Water Supply District No. 4 is taking steps to expand service to the county's highlands.

When such an expansion would begin in the northern part of the county, which is generally a hilly region at higher elevations than other parts of the county, depends on the residents there.

"We want people in the higher elevations of Scott County to know that we are committed to serving them once we get enough customers signed up," said Tim McIntyre, water district manager. "Right now we're not able to go up in that area because we don't have enough signed customers."

Water district officials were scheduled to complete the purchase of about a half-acre of land on County Road 247 Thursday, McIntyre said.

"In the future when we do the higher elevations in Scott County we'll put a stand pipe there," he said. "We'll need a pumping station and a stand pipe for the northern part of the county."

A stand pipe is a type of water tower that looks like a standing pipe, McIntyre explained.

There are no plans to put the stand pipe up yet but, with this land purchase, "when we do have enough signed customers, we will be ready. Our long-term commitment is to serve everyone in Scott County," McIntyre said. "It's a very good site for a stand pipe. It will be there waiting for us when we get enough customers."

All the water for new service areas added to the system will continue to be produced at the district's water treatment plant located near Haywood City, McIntyre said. The pumping station for the northern areas of the county could be located in the Morley area.

McIntyre said the water district is accepting sign-ups for the northern part of the county now.

"We encourage them to sign up: the sooner they do, the quicker we'll be up there," he said.

The water district's first phase, which includes most of southern Scott County, is complete, McIntyre said.

"We have approximately 775 customers," McIntyre said.

Scott County PWSD No. 4 is gearing up to begin a second water distribution phase in the western portion of "the flatlands," McIntyre said, where approximately 225 people have signed up so far.

"We hope to begin our next construction project next spring in that western area," McIntyre said. "We're going where the customers are. Once we get enough customers to support a new section, then we go into that area."

While there are enough sign-ups to proceed there, hookup agreements are still being accepted.

"It's not too late to sign up," McIntyre said.

To sign up or for more information about the Scott County PWSD No. 4, call the district's office at 573-481-2207.

Pertinent address:

Benton, MO