Montgomery Water Works: A Legacy of Innovation and Service

The Montgomery Water Works (MWW) has a rich history that dates back to 1893, when it was founded as a private company. In 1925, the city of Montgomery purchased the company, and it has been operated as a public utility ever since.

MWW is responsible for providing water to over 400,000 customers in the Montgomery metropolitan area. The utility's service area covers over 400 square miles, and it includes the cities of Montgomery, Prattville, Millbrook, and Wetumpka.

MWW's water supply comes from two sources: the Alabama River and the Tallapoosa River. The utility has two water treatment plants, one on each river. The plants use a variety of treatment processes to remove impurities from the water, including sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection.

MWW's distribution system consists of over 1,500 miles of pipes. The utility also has over 100,000 water meters. MWW's water is delivered to customers through a combination of gravity and pumps.

MWW's Commitment to Innovation

MWW has a long history of innovation. In 1919, the utility became the first in the United States to use activated carbon to treat water. In 1942, MWW was the first utility in the country to use a rapid sand filter to remove impurities from water.

In recent years, MWW has continued to invest in innovation. The utility has implemented a number of new technologies to improve water quality and efficiency. These technologies include:

• Membrane filtration
• Ultraviolet disinfection
• Advanced metering infrastructure

MWW's Service to the Community

MWW is committed to providing safe, clean water to its customers. The utility's water quality meets or exceeds all federal and state standards. MWW also has a number of programs in place to help low-income customers pay their water bills.

In addition to providing water service, MWW also plays an active role in the community. The utility supports a number of local organizations, including the United Way, the Montgomery Area Food Bank, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Alabama.

The Future of MWW

MWW is facing a number of challenges in the years ahead. These challenges include:

• Aging infrastructure
• Increasing demand for water
• Climate change

However, MWW is confident that it can overcome these challenges and continue to provide safe, reliable water service to its customers. The utility is investing in new infrastructure, exploring new water sources, and developing new technologies.

MWW is also committed to working with its customers to conserve water. The utility offers a number of programs and resources to help customers reduce their water consumption.

Stories of Innovation and Service

Here are three stories that illustrate MWW's commitment to innovation and service:

1. The Alabama River Intake Project**_

In 2015, MWW completed the Alabama River Intake Project. This project involved the construction of a new water intake on the Alabama River. The new intake is designed to improve water quality and reduce the risk of contamination.

2. The Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project**_

In 2016, MWW began installing advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) throughout its service area. AMI is a system of smart meters that allow MWW to collect detailed data on water consumption. This data can be used to identify leaks, improve customer service, and reduce water waste.

3. The Water Conservation Program**_

MWW has a long history of promoting water conservation. The utility offers a number of programs and resources to help customers reduce their water consumption. These programs include:

• Water audits
• Leak detection
• Rainwater harvesting
• Water-efficient landscaping

Effective Strategies for Water Conservation

Here are some effective strategies for water conservation:

• Fix leaks promptly
• Water your lawn less often
• Install low-flow appliances
• Take shorter showers
• Turn off the water when you brush your teeth or shave

How to Conserve Water in Your Home: A Step-by-Step Approach

Here is a step-by-step approach to conserving water in your home:

1. Check your water meter for leaks.
2. Fix any leaks you find.
3. Install low-flow appliances.
4. Water your lawn less often.
5. Take shorter showers.
6. Turn off the water when you brush your teeth or shave.
7. Collect rainwater for watering plants.
8. Plant drought-tolerant plants in your landscape.

Call to Action

MWW is committed to providing safe, clean water to its customers and protecting the environment. The utility needs your help to conserve water. By following the tips and strategies in this article, you can help MWW reduce water waste and protect our precious water resources.

Additional Information

• MWW website
• MWW water quality reports
• MWW conservation programs

Tables

Table 1: MWW Water Quality Data

Table 2: MWW Water Consumption Data

Table 3: MWW Leak Detection Data