Perhaps the most important 12,000 square feet in Trigg County’s 200-year history received its proper dedication and ribbon cutting on Friday afternoon when noted dignitaries from across the Commonwealth joined in the celebration on Industrial Drive for the public unveiling of the new Cadiz Water Treatment Plant.
Able to treat more than 1.5 million gallons of water per day for 2,200-plus local customers across the county, Cadiz Mayor Todd King got emotional when introducing the soon-to-be-retiring Public Works Director Kerry Fowler — who’s been one of the main overseers of this massive utility installation.
This project has long been in the works, with Trigg County Judge-Executive Hollis Alexander noting that the first discussions of the facility originated back in 2005-06 between then-mayor Lynn Bailey and Fowler — trying to decide what was the next best step in repairing the old facility in downtown Cadiz.
Sure enough, almost 15 years to the day, the project is complete — and already serving the community at 100% efficiency.
Among the innumerable thanks given to those who helped bring the vision into a reality — local politicians, contractors, economic developers, and former and current Trigg County officials — came a personal nod from Fowler to the city of Hopkinsville, which played a unique role in the project’s completion and effectiveness.
Fowler and South Western Kentucky Economic Development Council Executive Director Carter Hendricks both alluded to the growing possibility of new developments at Industrial Park and beyond — courtesy of this improved infrastructure and state-of-the-art water station, which brings economic ballast to the I-24 corridor.
Local historian Paul Fourshee gave a brief, seven-minute history of Trigg County’s waterworks leading up to the new construction — which broke ground in 2018. King and his city council then closed the celebration by dedicating the Cadiz Water Treatment Plant to Fowler, who was joined by his family and surprised with a large metal plaque that will hang in perpetuity on the property.
To reach the water department with questions, concerns, or comments during regular business hours, call (270) 522-8244. After hours, customers can call (270) 350-0579.
‘We’ve all drank from the waters of the big spring’
The completed construction of the Cadiz Water Treatment Facility brought Trigg County’s water utility history to the forefront, too, when Fowler invited Fourshee to unspool the facts surrounding the precious resource and its importance to early citizens.
For 200 years, Cadiz and its water supply have naturally gone through changes — some more drastic than others.
