HOT SPRINGS, Ark. — The City of Hot Springs has received the 2026 Arkansas Environmental Federation (AEF) Diamond Award for Excellence in Environmental Leadership for its Lake Ouachita Water Supply Project, recognizing the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship, innovative engineering and long-term water sustainability.

The $150 million project represents a generational investment in securing a reliable source of high-quality drinking water for Hot Springs and the surrounding region. After repeatedly approaching critical water-production thresholds, the City pursued a long-term solution to meet current demands while preparing for future growth.

A key feature of the project is a 2,569-foot tunnel through Blakely Mountain that allows raw water from Lake Ouachita to flow largely by gravity toward the new water treatment plant. By tunneling through the mountain rather than routing water over it, the City significantly reduced pumping requirements and long-term energy demands. This innovative approach is expected to provide lasting operational cost savings while helping protect valuable green space by avoiding additional clearing and trenching through forested land for pipelines and associated power infrastructure.

The completed project includes approximately 17 miles of water transmission infrastructure and a new treatment plant that provides 15 million gallons per day of additional treatment capacity. Together, these improvements strengthen the reliability and resilience of the regional water system and help ensure a dependable drinking water supply for decades to come.

Environmental stewardship also guided the design of the new water treatment plant, which features a barn-inspired appearance that complements the surrounding rural Arkansas landscape. The project’s water tank also received recognition for its design, reflecting the importance of infrastructure that serves the community while respecting the natural character of its surroundings.

“This award recognizes the City’s commitment to planning for the future while being responsible stewards of our natural resources,” said Mayor Pat McCabe. “The Lake Ouachita Water Supply Project is more than an investment in infrastructure. It is an investment in reliable drinking water, energy efficiency and the long-term well-being of our community.”

Through years of planning, collaboration and innovative engineering, the City of Hot Springs has addressed future water needs proactively while demonstrating that essential infrastructure can deliver lasting environmental and economic benefits.

The Arkansas Environmental Federation recognizes organizations that demonstrate leadership and excellence in environmental responsibility. The 2026 Diamond Award highlights how the Lake Ouachita Water Supply Project advances sustainable water management and protects resources for future generations.