CKRWP Source Solution and System Upgrades Project
Notice of Public Hearing
Notice is hereby given that the Lewis & Clark Natural Resources District (LCNRD) and Cedar Knox Rural Water Project (CKRWP) of Hartington, Nebraska will hold a public hearing at 10:00 A.M. on November 12, 2024 at the Menominee Parish Hall, 55770 894th Rd, Fordyce, Ne 68736, regarding a Preliminary Engineering Report for construction of a Missouri River crossing, pipeline and associated appurtenances, and distribution system improvements as required for State Revolving Loan Funding from the Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy and other funding agencies.
Overview of Source Solution & System Upgrades Project
The Cedar Knox Rural Water Project (CKRWP) is a Public Water System (PWS) that serves more than 900 rural connections, including several sanitary improvement districts (SIDs), recreational areas and businesses along Lewis and Clark Lake and the Missouri River, along with the communities of Crofton, Fordyce, St Helena, and Obert.
Project Background and Planning
Cedar Knox Rural Water Project has conducted preliminary engineering over the last eight years to evaluate options and determine the best path forward to secure the most cost effective, resource effective long-term, resilient water supply to serve the needs of CKRWP customers. The 
Water System Analysis and Development Plan was prepared by Bartlett & West in December 2021 in response to a Nebraska Department of Environment and Energy (NDEE) issued Administrative Order (AO), encroaching sediment and flood impacts on the surface water intake, limited production capacity of the CKRWP treatment plant, and limited capacity of distribution components.
Extensive groundwater evaluations were conducted in the Dolphin Township in Knox County and the Aten Area in Cedar County. After analyzing pump test and water quality, it was determined that it would be too costly to build a new treatment plant and treat the water. It was determined the most feasible and effective course of action, to provide the same quality if not better quality of water, would be to connect with Yankton. Therefore, at the January 2024 CKRWP board meeting the Advisory Commitee unanimously approved entering negotiations with the City of Yankton to purchase finished water. Yankton's groundwater source and reverse osmosis system will greatly reduce the production of TTHM's. In addition, the size of Yankton's treatment plant will allow CKRWP to increase capacity to continue to meet the growing demand.
Progress and Updates
The Source Solution System Upgrade project will be completed in two phases. Phase I will consist of nearly 26 miles of pipeline upgrades along the Lewis & Clark Lake and Missouri River. Also, part of Phase I is replacement of an aging and ineffective standpipe tank with an elevated storage tank. Phase II will consist of boring under the Missouri River to tie into Yankton's system, several miles of transmission main, a large storage reservoir, an elevated tank, and two booster pump situations. Phase I construction is to being in the Spring of 2025 and Phase II construction is expected to begin in the Fall of 2025 or Spring of 2026.
Map of Line Upgrades in the Distribution System
Potential Figures for Water Service Rates
If you are interested in additional information about the Source Solution and System Upgrades Project, contact Cedar Knox Rural Water Project.