The City of Tuscaloosa’s Water & Sewer department is offering an opportunity for students, organizations and community members to get a behind-the-scenes look at how raw water from Lake Tuscaloosa is treated, in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Ed Love Water Filtration Plant.
Edward E. Love began his career at the City of Tuscaloosa’s Water department as a meter reader in 1941 and held various jobs throughout the department before he became Superintendent of Water & Sewer in 1952. As the Tuscaloosa community grew and industry standards evolved, Love advocated for a new water treatment plant, marking the completion of Water & Sewer’s expansion program that included the construction of Lake Tuscaloosa. On November 7th, 1976, the $6 million plant was dedicated to Love upon his retirement after 35 years of service. Since opening in 1976, the Ed Love Water Filtration plant has helped meet the community’s growing water needs. Designed to treat more than double its’ original amount, the plant now treats 40 million gallons per day. Today, the facility remains an essential part of Tuscaloosa’s water system, delivering safe, reliable drinking water to over 200,000 customers in the city and surrounding areas. In recognition of the plant’s 50th anniversary, Tuscaloosa Water is offering guided group tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the facility, learn about the technology and processes behind drinking water treatment and meet the water treatment operators who work around the clock to keep Tuscaloosa’s water flowing.
“For 50 years, the Ed Love Water Filtration Plant has been an important part of our community’s infrastructure,” said Kimberly Michael, Executive Director of Water & Sewer. “This anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the people, progress and investments that have helped us provide reliable drinking water for generations. We’re excited to invite our community inside to see that work firsthand.”
Tours are available by request through the end of the year. Schools and community organizations interested in visiting the Ed Love Water Filtration Plant can submit a request through the City’s tour request form. |
