Lincoln has begun construction on a major component of its Water 2.0 project, aiming to secure a second water source for the city.
The transmission main along North 98th Street will eventually connect the city’s current water source at the Platte River to a future supply from the Missouri River. Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said the project will benefit residents for generations by ensuring reliable access to clean water.
“Years from now, when our children and grandchildren pour a glass of water, they can look back on this day as the start of our efforts to ensure their glass would always be full,” she said.
The 54 to 60-inch pipe will run from the Northeast Pump Station at 98th Street and Alvo Road to the Vine Street Reservoir, with completion expected in 2026. The $36 million project is funded through the American Rescue Plan Act.
The main will be able to carry up to 60 million gallons of water per day and link two city reservoirs, providing redundancy in case of flooding, drought, or power outages. By 2048, it will merge treated water from both the Platte and Missouri Rivers into the city’s system.
City Councilmember Tom Beckius said the project reflects Lincoln’s commitment to long-term planning. “As we dig in today, we take charge of our future,” he said.
More information is available at lincoln.ne.gov/secondwatersource.
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- City of Lincoln