Construction continues on the new South Plain Water Tank, with significant progress taking place on site this week.

A large construction crane was erected this week and will be used to set forms for the tank’s concrete support structure. The support structure will be constructed in 10-foot sections and will ultimately support the 1.5-million-gallon tank bowl at the top of the tower.

The project is continuing to move forward as crews work through the next phase of construction.

Initial dirt work was completed, and crews began forming the concrete foundation for the tower, extending approximately 13–14 feet deep.

Current projections indicate that the tower itself could be completed around August 2027, with final substantial completion of the overall project anticipated by February 2028.

Construction activity became visible at the tower site. Redstone completed tree clearing, with Landmark preparing to begin foundation construction. Because of the project’s location, the City and contractors continue to coordinate closely with the Bryant School District throughout construction.

The construction process itself is unique: the concrete pedestal will be constructed first, while the steel tank is assembled around the lower portion of the structure. Once assembled, the tank will eventually be lifted into position at the top of the pedestal.

At the June Water/Sewer Advisory Committee meeting, the City reported that the low construction bid had been received and the contractor had been given notice to move forward with the project.

Construction bids were received and evaluated. During this period, the City also completed its student design initiative for the tower, with a design created by Bryant High School Graphic Design student Keegan Pevytoe selected for the finished tower.

The City advertised the South Plain Water Tower for construction bids beginning April 5, moving the project from engineering and design into the construction procurement phase.

Following months of review, committee meetings and public discussion, Bryant City Council adopted updated water and wastewater rates, which took effect in January 2026.

The adopted rates help fund the operation and maintenance of the utility systems as well as near-term capital improvements identified through the Master Plans and rate study, including the South Plain Water Tower. Through their monthly utility bills, Bryant water customers are helping invest in infrastructure projects like this one.

As required by Arkansas Act 605, the City completed an independent study of its water and wastewater rates. In addition to the costs of operating and maintaining the systems, the study considered the funding necessary for near-term Capital Improvement Plan projects identified through the City’s Water and Wastewater Master Plans.

The South Plain Water Tower was among those near-term capital projects. The study helped determine the utility revenues necessary to continue providing service while making planned investments in Bryant’s water and wastewater infrastructure.

Crist Engineers continued design and engineering work for the South Plain Water Tower while the City completed property acquisition and other preparations necessary to move the project toward construction.

The City and Bryant School District reached an agreement involving approximately three acres of property for construction of the new tower. Surveying, property documentation, engineering, and design work continued following the agreement.

The City worked closely with the Bryant School District to secure an appropriate location for the new tower. The selected location provides the elevation and positioning necessary to accomplish the project’s water pressure and system goals.

Engineering work with Crist Engineers moved forward, with project kickoff meetings beginning as the City advanced design and planning for the new tower.

The Water/Sewer Advisory Committee discussed allocating $900,000 in ARPA funding to begin the South Plain project as engineering and project development moved forward.

The City issued a Request for Proposals for engineering services for the South Plain project. The project called for replacing the existing 1.1-million-gallon South Tank with a new 1.5-million-gallon composite elevated tank at a service elevation of 609 feet.

The project is designed to address pressure limitations in the South Pressure Zone, allow the City to transition toward a single pressure zone, and increase water pressure in the affected area by approximately 30 PSI.

Bryant City Council adopted the Water System Master Plan, establishing a long-term roadmap for improvements to the City's water system. The South Plain Water Tower became one of the major projects moving from long-term planning toward implementation.

The City worked with Crist Engineers to develop a new Water System Master Plan, replacing the City’s previous plan from 2008. The plan evaluated existing conditions, projected population and water demand, modeled the distribution system, and identified capital improvements necessary to support Bryant’s current and future water needs.

The resulting Capital Improvement Plan identified the South Plain improvements, including a new water tank, as a priority project.

The City’s 2023 budget included funding for a study of the South Plain area, beginning the process of evaluating water system needs and potential improvements in this part of Bryant. The City began engineering work focused specifically on the development of South Plain hydraulic improvements, examining pressure and other infrastructure needs in the area.