City Commission approves agreement for Water Treatment Facility Greensand Filter Project

The Arkansas City Commission recently approved a resolution authorizing the City to enter into a design-build agreement with Burns & McDonnell/CAS Constructors for Phase 1 of the Water Treatment Facility Greensand Filter Project. 

This project marks the beginning of a major infrastructure upgrade for the City’s water treatment operations. Funded entirely through a Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan with 100 percent loan forgiveness, the $2.089 million award means the City will complete the improvements with no debt to local taxpayers. 

Phase 1, approved at a cost not to exceed $112,000, includes the preliminary design, pricing, and scope development required to determine the final construction cost. Once that work is complete, a Phase 2 agreement will be presented to the City Commission for final approval to move forward with construction. 

“This project allows the City to modernize a key component of our water treatment process while taking full advantage of state funding that doesn’t burden local taxpayers,” said City Manager Randy Frazer. “It’s a smart, forward-looking investment in our community’s water quality and infrastructure reliability.” 

Background In 2024, the City of Arkansas City was selected by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment in the Intended Use Plan (IUP) to apply for a State Revolving Fund (SRF) loan in the amount of $2,089,000, with 100 percent loan forgiveness. This award fully funds the planned Greensand Filter improvements at the Water Treatment Facility. 

What a Greensand Filter Does At the City’s Water Treatment Facility, the Greensand Filter is one of the most essential components in producing clean, great-tasting drinking water. Groundwater naturally contains minerals such as iron and manganese—harmless to health but capable of causing staining, discoloration, or metallic taste if left untreated. 

The Greensand Filter acts as a large sponge filled with specially coated sand that traps and removes these minerals before the water continues through the treatment process. Over time, the filter media can lose effectiveness, which makes replacement and system upgrades necessary to maintain optimal performance. The upcoming improvements will enhance filtration efficiency, extend equipment life, and strengthen overall water quality.