Union County Water has updated its Capital Improvement Program (CIP) page to share about how long-term planning and reinvestment support a reliable water and wastewater system. The page now includes a video from the May 4, 2026, meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners, where Engineering Director John Shutak, P.E., shared the latest update on ongoing and future infrastructure projects.

 

"Our robust 15-year Capital Improvement Program includes a total of 65 projects across our service area," said Shutak. "About half of our capital improvement investment is in our water infrastructure, one quarter of the total expenditures are on our wastewater infrastructure, and another quarter is focused on investing in our current system through renewal and replacement projects."

 

A Capital Improvement Program is a long-range plan that guides how and when critical infrastructure projects are designed, funded and constructed. For water and wastewater systems, this includes investments in treatment facilities, pipelines, pump stations, and storage tanks. These systems operate largely out of sight, but they play a vital role in delivering safe drinking water, protecting public health and supporting daily life for residents and businesses.

 

Regular reinvestment through a CIP is essential to maintaining system reliability and performance. As infrastructure ages, components must be repaired or replaced to prevent service disruptions and reduce the risk of costly emergency failures. Planned upgrades also help ensure the system meets regulatory requirements and continues to provide for the needs of current and future water customers.

 

By planning projects years in advance, the County can prioritize needs, manage costs and make the most efficient use of public funds.

The updated webpage provides an overview of these efforts and gives residents and customers the opportunity to hear directly from staff through the newly added Board of Commissioners presentation. Together, the information helps illustrate how thoughtful, ongoing investment keeps Union County’s water and wastewater systems strong, resilient and ready for the future.