Centerton City Council convened to examine four potential pathways for solving the city’s growing wastewater challenges. The discussion came after the Decatur wastewater plant, which has served Centerton since a 2013 service agreement, reported that its capacity is now overwhelmed by current flow levels.

Consultants present options

Engineers from Hawkins‑Weir Engineering, the firm selected by the state to conduct a comprehensive wastewater study for Northwest Arkansas, presented the options. Aaron Benzing, a representative of the firm, emphasized the urgency, saying, “We have some immediate issues in Northwest Arkansas that need to be addressed. One of those immediate issues is Centerton.” He noted that many nearby cities face growth moratoriums, but Centerton’s situation is especially pressing.

The four proposals

The study outlined four distinct approaches:

• West Benton Regional Authority: Create a new regional authority to manage wastewater for Centerton and surrounding communities.
• Maintain current flow to Decatur: Continue sending all of Centerton’s wastewater to the Decatur plant, despite its current strain.
• Build a local wastewater center: Construct a dedicated treatment facility within Centerton to handle the city’s own flow.
• Hybrid diversion plan: Divert a portion of wastewater to the Northwest Arkansas Conservation Authority (NACA) while keeping the remainder routed to Decatur.

Council response and next steps

Council members listened to the presentations but did not vote on any option during the session. Officials indicated that further study and community input will be required before a final decision is reached. The council plans to reconvene later in the year to evaluate the feasibility, cost, and long‑term benefits of each alternative.

Why the issue matters to residents

Effective wastewater management is essential for public health, environmental protection, and continued growth in Centerton. Residents have expressed concern that an overburdened system could lead to service disruptions or increased rates. By exploring multiple solutions, the city aims to safeguard its infrastructure while supporting responsible development.

State involvement

The involvement of Hawkins‑Weir Engineering reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring that Northwest Arkansas municipalities have access to expert guidance on critical infrastructure projects. The study’s findings will also inform neighboring cities that share similar water‑treatment challenges.

As the council moves forward, community members are encouraged to attend upcoming public hearings, submit comments, and stay informed through city communications. The outcome of this process will shape how Centerton manages its wastewater for years to come.

Original reporting: 40/29 / KHBS (NW Arkansas) — read the source article.