Bayou Meto water project prepares for next phase

A new phase of a $762 million water management system known as the Bayou Meto Water Project pumped its first demonstration delivery at a ceremony attended by U.S. Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark., and agriculture leaders across the state.

The Marion Berry Pump Station will provide critical surface water to farmers, supplementing declining groundwater levels. Roughly 80% of the state’s irrigation water comes from groundwater, with Arkansas having the third highest number of irrigated acres in the country.

Named after the late U.S. Rep. Marion Berry, the station was completed in 2015. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will build three miles of canals in 2025 that will reach Indian Bayou and will allow the pump station to move water to nearly 300,000 irrigated acres.

In preparation for water delivery, contractors recently completed a thorough inspection of the station and serviced and aligned the pumps and motors. The station is now ready to pump up to 1,750 cubic feet of water per second into the distribution system.

“This project is essential for the sustainability of water for Arkansas farmers,” said Edward Swaim, executive director of the Bayou Meto Water Management District. “We can more effectively manage water resources that ensure Arkansas continues to lead in agricultural production.”

The project’s total cost is $762 million with the first phase costing $174 million. It will serve farms and communities in Pulaski, Lonoke, Jefferson, Prairie, and Arkansas counties.

The project will decrease reliance on groundwater by providing surface water from the Arkansas River to essential crops such as rice, cotton, corn, and soybeans. By diversifying water sources, planners hope to increase the groundwater levels to more sustainable levels.

The Bayou Meto Water District is a cooperative effort between federal, state, and local partners and includes 105 miles of canals, improvements to 116 miles of existing bayous and ditches, and over 450 miles of underground pipeline. Sen. Boozman helped secure funding for the latest project.

“This project has been a longstanding priority because of the significant impact it will bring for hardworking farmers across five counties to help them irrigate crops more efficiently and sustainably. I’m grateful to have worked hand in hand with federal, state, and local officials to champion this solution that meets our agriculture needs in addition to supporting efforts to conserve and maintain premier wildlife habitat unique to Arkansas,” said Boozman. “This exciting new phase is the culmination of years of effort that we can be proud to celebrate, and serves as a national model of successful collaboration.”

Major partners in the project include the Bayou Meto Water Management District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, the Arkansas Department of Transportation, and engineering firm Garver. State agencies such as the Arkansas Department of Agriculture and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission are also key stakeholders in improving water sustainability in the Bayou Meto Water District.

“This project is a game changer for water sustainability in Arkansas,” Garver Project Manager Daniel Hollinger said. “At Garver, we take pride in tackling decades-long challenges with innovative solutions. This project represents our commitment to delivering a more sustainable future for generations to come.”