Houston County plans new drinking water treatment facility amid growth

Officials say the facility will treat fresh drinking water and support continued population growth in the county.

HOUSTON COUNTY, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Houston County leaders are taking steps toward building a new water treatment plant to keep up with the county’s rapid growth.

Officials say the new facility will be located on Highway 127 near the intersection of Moody Road. The plant will treat fresh drinking water drawn from wells and is designed to provide clean, ready-to-drink water to residents.

County leaders say the facility is not a wastewater or sewer plant.

“An important distinction between this plant and some other water treatment facilities is this is a fresh drinking water treatment plant,” said Houston County Chairman Dan Perdue. “That means we pull water out of the ground through a well, treat that water, and then send that clean, ready-to-drink water out to the citizens of Houston County.”

Officials say the project, which is still in the planning phase, has been in the works since early 2024.

County leaders say Houston County’s population has grown to about 175,000 people, an increase of more than 11,000 residents since 2020. They say the $15 million facility will be paid for through the county’s water capital fund and is intended to support continued population growth.