from Arkansas Money & Politics

2025 AMP Faces of Arkansas: Face of Award-Winning Drinking Water

City Corp. Russellville Water & Sewer

Steve Mallett, Jr., P.E., Chief Executive Officer

What sets you apart?

It all starts at the Huckleberry Creek Reservoir in northern Pope County, which was constructed in 1997. The reservoir is located within a sparsely developed watershed that includes no industrial, commercial or agricultural development, leading to consistent and high-quality raw water from the start. Our reservoir is 5 miles from our treatment plant on the northern city limit of Russellville, connected with 5 miles of 48-inch pipeline. Unlike most plants located at or very near the water source, the pipeline provides several hours of travel time from the reservoir to the plant. This is a major benefit, as we add powder-activated carbon at the lake, allowing it several hours to soak up any organics in the water that may lead to taste and odor issues. Once the organics are absorbed, they are easily removed at the treatment plant, resulting in an exceptional finished product.   

What economic benefits do you provide to the community?

The water that we provide is part of the reason so many industries reliant on a consistent, high-quality water supply choose Russellville for construction and expansion of their companies. Conagra Brands, Tyson Foods and Rockline Industries are just a few examples of large corporations that have chosen Russellville.

What awards have you won?

It is the combination of all these factors and people that puts Russellville City Corp. drinking water consistently among the best in the area. This is most evidenced by our selection as the “People’s Choice” for best-tasting drinking water among over 40 entrants from the United States, Canada and other U.S. territories at the American Water Works Association National Conference in 2016.  We have also been named best-tasting water in the state in 2005, 2015, 2016, 2018, 2019, 2021 and 2022.