PIERRE, S.D. (DRG News) – The design of Pierre’s new water treatment plant was unveiled at this week’s City Commission meeting.

Of the estimated total project cost of $37.5 million, $33.1 million is for construction. The remainder accounts for the engineering, design and architectural services that went into the project.

Utilities Director Brad Palmer says they wanted two things from the design team.

PKG Contracting owner Darin Pfingsten says the project has three major components.

Almost half of the facility will be underground. If work goes accordingly, work on the water intake will begin next month.

Late this year, excavation at the site of the water treatment facility will begin. By fall next year, the building should start to take shape. In mid-2022, the system will be in place to begin the transition to treated water.

With 73% of the vote in June 2018, Pierre voters approved the plan to build a new water treatment facility in Steamboat Park to reduce the high mineral content found in Pierre’s current water supply. The plan includes raising residential water rates by approximately $1 a day.