The City of Savannah officially broke ground on a major water infrastructure project at the Industrial and Domestic (I&D) Water Treatment Plant, marking a significant investment in the region’s long-term water reliability and resilience.

City officials were joined by state, regional, and utility partners for the ceremony, which also commemorated 80 years of service at the I&D Water Treatment Plant. Speakers included Mayor Van R. Johnson II, Senators Derek Mallow and Ben Watson, City Manager Jay Melder, Chief of Water Resources Ron Feldner, and Hussey Gay Bell CEO G. Holmes Bell, IV.

The project is supported by a significant state investment aimed at strengthening regional water infrastructure across Coastal Georgia. More than $500 million was allocated at the state level to support regional water supply initiatives, with approximately $146 million designated for water infrastructure projects in Savannah.

“This groundbreaking represents more than construction — it represents our commitment to the future of Savannah and the surrounding region,” said Mayor Van R. Johnson II. “By investing in critical infrastructure today, we are protecting public health, supporting economic growth, and ensuring a reliable water supply for generations to come.”

“This project reflects years of planning and collaboration at the regional level, and visionary leadership from local and state officials," said City Manager Jay Melder. “The expansion of Savannah's surface water treatment plant is a big piece of a regional partnership designed to solve a generational problem facing our community. This signature project positions us to meet needs and opportunities of our future.”

The Industrial and Domestic Water Treatment Plant has served as a cornerstone of Savannah’s water system since the mid-1940s. The project will strengthen system redundancy and reinforce the city’s role as a regional water provider.