Saint Paul Regional Water Services Turns on New McCarrons Water Treatment Plant, Ushering in a New Era

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 25, 2025CONTACTJennifer "JLor" LorOffice of Mayor Melvin [email protected](651) 417-9454Jodi WallinSaint Paul Regional Water [email protected](651) 266-6308SAINT PAUL- Today, Saint Paul Regional Water Services (SPRWS) switched on its upgraded McCarron's Water Treatment Plant, taking a major step to provide clean, reliable water for Saint Paul and the 14 nearby communities it serves.SPRWS invested $250 million-the largest project in its history-to replace much of the plant's aging equipment, some from the 1920s and 1950s. This overhaul fixes long-standing problems and strengthens the system against future water quality threats."Clean water is important to every child, every family, every business; every aspect of our city relies on the water that's treated here," said Mayor Carter. "This is a critical public service-one that will provide safe, reliable water to our residents for the next 100 years and beyond."The upgrade adds ozone treatment, a powerful and fast method that removes harmful contaminants without leaving chemicals behind. This improvement helps keep water safe and healthy for the community.The team began site work and tree removal in early 2022. They demolished old structures later that year and started full construction in October 2022, which will continue through August 2025. In summer 2025, SPRWS will start running new systems alongside the old ones to maintain uninterrupted water service. They will test all systems and finish final work by mid-2026.SPRWS will complete other upgrades, including a new lab, learning center, and landscaping, by the end of 2026."This modernization is more than an upgrade-it's an investment in our community's health and well-being," said SPRWS General Manager Racquel Vaske. "By blending time-tested methods with new technology, SPRWS is building a future where clean, reliable water remains a source of pride for Saint Paul and the 14 communities we serve."SPRWS currently serves about 450,000 people and delivers roughly 40 million gallons of treated water daily through an extensive network of pipes and hydrants. The McCarron's plant earned the prestigious President's Award for Water Treatment, one of only 31 facilities nationwide to receive this honor, demonstrating SPRWS's commitment to quality.

Last Edited: September 25, 2025