The Kentucky Public Service Commission has authorized Kentucky-American Water Co. to replace a 90-year-old filtration facility in Lexington with a new one.
In an order issued this week, PSC agreed with Kentucky-American that construction of the nearly $16 million-facility is the most cost-effective way to address the old building's structural and operational problems.
The current plant can treat up to 25 million gallons of water per day. The new filters will not change the plant's overall output, but are designed to be more effective and efficient.
They also will provide reserve capacity, which the current plant does not have.
The current plant was built in 1924 and last expanded in 1953.