Beaver Lake Can Handle NWA Water Demand but Law Needs Changing, Planners Told
Beaver Lake is capable of meeting the water demands of Northwest Arkansas (NWA), but significant legal changes are necessary to ensure a steady supply. This notion was conveyed to the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission.
Despite the urgency of NWA’s population growth, the infrastructure and capacity of Beaver Lake are robust enough to handle future water needs for the foreseeable future. The real challenge lies in the passage of legislative frameworks to support these efforts.
Currently, the allocation of Beaver Lake’s water is divided: 79% for hydroelectricity and the remaining 21% for drinking water. Evaluations will continue to assess whether a higher allocation for drinking water is needed.
Main cities in NWA—Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, and Springdale—purchase water from the lake’s surface treatment plant. These cities then distribute it to neighboring communities.
As long as drastic climate changes do not occur, planners remain confident that the current water infrastructure can support the needs of NWA residents.
Among the measures planned to address the growing water needs, Beaver Water District is set to invest 0 million in a new treatment plant over the next 5-6 years.