White Plains, AL – The Calhoun County Water Authority officially recognized the completion of the “Fields Well” project in White Plains during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held in conjunction with its recent board meeting. While the well became operational on the 5th of the month, officials said the timing of the board meeting provided an opportunity to formally acknowledge the project and invite members of the Calhoun County Commission to attend.
The Fields Well project has been in development for approximately five years and was designed to improve long-term water access for the White Plains community. According to officials, the well is currently producing more than 300 gallons of water per minute and is capable of providing over 500 gallons per minute, ensuring capacity to meet both current needs and future growth.
The $3 million project was funded through a partnership between the Calhoun County Water Authority and the Calhoun County Commission, with a portion of the funding coming from American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) allocations.
Calhoun County Water Authority Board Member Tobi Burt reflected on the long-term effort behind the project.
“We have been working on this project to cover the White Plains community for five years now, and it has finally come to fruition. I am happy that we were able to make this happen for today, but more importantly, for years down the road,” Burt said. “This well is producing over 300 gallons per minute and is capable of providing over 500 gallons per minute. It was a $3 million project that we were able to split with the County Commission using ARPA funds. It’s been an honor to partner with the County Commission and provide the area with good, clean water.”
Three county commissioners attended the ceremony, including Commissioner Terry Howell, who highlighted the broader impact of the project.
“This water project was the second that the Calhoun County Commission has been involved in over the last thirty-six months,” Howell said. “We take pride in partnering with others to make the quality of life better for everyone. This is a totally amazing project that will serve this community for many, many decades.”
Commissioner Danny Shears emphasized the long-range planning involved in county water projects.
“Today’s ribbon cutting once again shows that our county water authority continues to look 40, 50, even 60 years down the road,” Shears said. “Their vision brings good, clean water to residents in some of the most rural parts of the county and continues to put our residents in a very good place for many years to come concerning their water resources.”
Randy Smith, chief operator for the Water Authority, noted the scale and sustainability of the new well.
“This field supply is designed to last for up to 100 years, producing 500 gallons per minute, or roughly three-quarters of a million gallons per day,” Smith said. “The water source is treated only with chlorine. County Commission funds helped support the project, with the Water Authority covering the remainder. This project was done for the people.”
Commissioner Lee Patterson also addressed the importance of water infrastructure investments, particularly in rural areas.
“Water is critical,” Patterson said. “We want residents to have access to aquifers that provide good, pure, clean water. This well produces up to 500 gallons per minute and is not shared with any other area—it stands on its own. Over time, this area will continue to develop, and this project ensures it is poised for the future. I’m proud to be part of something that considers the needs of our residents both now and down the road.”
Officials said the Fields Well will serve as a dedicated water source for the White Plains area, strengthening infrastructure and supporting future development while maintaining a focus on clean, reliable water access.
