Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant Expansion St. George: $180M Upgrade Underway

A major infrastructure project is now underway in Southern Utah to support the region’s growing water needs.

The Washington County Water Conservancy District has begun a $180 million expansion at the Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant, a facility that plays a critical role in supplying drinking water to communities across St. George and the surrounding area.

After more than 40 years of dependable service, the plant is being upgraded to increase capacity, improve water quality, and help prepare the region for continued growth.

Why the Expansion Matters

More than 50% of the drinking water used in the community is treated at the Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant.

As Washington County continues to grow, the demand for clean, reliable drinking water continues to rise. The expansion project is designed to meet that demand while improving the treatment process.

When completed, the facility will be able to treat significantly more water each day while adding new technology to improve safety and taste.

What the Expansion Will Add

The project includes several major improvements to the treatment plant.

Key upgrades include:

• Increasing treatment capacity from 60 million gallons per day to 90 million gallons per day
• Adding ozone technology to help improve the taste and quality of drinking water
• Incorporating ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to enhance the treatment process
• Constructing an additional 10-million-gallon water storage tank onsite

Together, these improvements will strengthen the region’s water infrastructure for years to come.

Construction Work Has Already Begun

Demolition work at the facility is already underway as crews begin preparing the site for the expansion.

Much of the material from the demolition is being reused during construction, helping reduce waste and support environmental sustainability.

Residents interested in following the project can watch updates and construction videos shared through the district’s social media channels and YouTube.

Project Completion Expected in 2029

Large infrastructure projects take time, and this one is expected to continue over the next several years.

The Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant expansion is currently scheduled for completion in 2029.

Once finished, the project will help ensure Southern Utah continues to have safe, high-quality drinking water for current residents and future generations.

Spring Watering Tip: Ease Into It

As temperatures warm up across Southern Utah, many homeowners begin watering their lawns again.

However, landscape experts recommend starting slowly.

Your lawn has just come out of winter dormancy, so it doesn’t need heavy watering right away.

A simple approach is to:

• Start watering once per week
• Gradually increase to two or three times per week as temperatures rise

This helps avoid overwatering while plants adjust to spring conditions.

Free Landscape Workshops in St. George

Residents who want to learn more about water-efficient landscaping can attend several upcoming workshops hosted by the Water Conservancy District.

All workshops take place at:

📍 533 E. Waterworks Dr., St. George
⏰ 10:00 AM (60–90 minutes)

Upcoming topics include:

Drip Irrigation: Water-wise Gardening Made Simple
March 28

Lawn to Lush: Updating for Water Efficiency
March 7 and March 25

Shady Characters: Selection and Care of Trees
March 18

Lawn Care for Active Areas
March 21

These workshops are designed to help residents create landscapes that look great while using less water.

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