Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility The first sanitary sewer system in Pine Bluff was built in 1888 to combat an epidemic outbreak. Each drainage area had its own disposal facility.

Municipal Wastewater Utility
City of Pine Bluff, Arkansas

Mission: Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility is committed to providing our customers with efficient, reliable service while protecting the public health and maintaining a clean environment. Yellow fever, typhoid fever and cholera ran rampant through many southern communities during the late 1800’s. Many cities in the area experienced exposure to

germs from outhouses and cesspools. Diseases were spread by contaminated drinking water and unsanitary conditions that resulted from the lack of a sewerage system. At this time, the sewage traveled through open ditches and emerged untreated in the Arkansas River just east of Convention Center Drive. The city’s forefathers constructed a primary sewerage system to save lives, reduce an epidemic and improve the health of its inhabitants. By 1949, it had been expanded to the point that it contained 86 miles of sewer mains and laterals. The sewers were built by independent sewer districts as part of a bond debt. The responsibility for the operation and maintenance of this system reverted to the City of Pine Bluff once the bond debt was retired. Today, the City of Pine Bluff has 39 sewer districts and 450 miles of collection lines. These treatment plants serve five separate districts and one housing project. While sewage was available to the inner city areas, some remote areas still did not have sewer capabilities. Pine Bluff experienced a substantial population growth, and the drainage areas of many of the old sewerage systems have been increased beyond original design. Pine Bluff enjoyed a progressive population growth that was most outstanding during the 1940-1950 decade with a 74.5% increase. Some of this growth can be attributed to the expansion of the city limits resulting in the annexation of certain populated areas. This trend inevitably affected the economy of the territory and necessitated the expansion of the existing sewer system in order to accommodate local residents, businesses, schools and industries. Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility has made marked improvements in the implementation of service to its consumers. PBWU has consistently received numerous awards for excellence, dating back from 1980 to date. NACWA has recognized PBWU with Platinum and Gold Awards at the Boyd Point Treatment Facility for 100% compliance to the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit standards. PBWU discharges approximately 12 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated wastewater back into the Arkansas River.

Congratulations to Ken Johnson for 25 years as Manager of Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility!! Thank you for your vision and...
06/23/2026

Congratulations to Ken Johnson for 25 years as Manager of Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility!! Thank you for your vision and commitment to the Utility and the Citizens of Pine Bluff.

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility Offices will be closed Friday, June 19th in observation of the Juneteenth holiday. Offices...
06/18/2026

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility Offices will be closed Friday, June 19th in observation of the Juneteenth holiday.

Offices will re-open on Monday, June 22nd at 8AM.

06/18/2026
We donated 208 boxes of cereal from PBWU employees to the Summer Cereal Drive this morning!
06/08/2026

We donated 208 boxes of cereal from PBWU employees to the Summer Cereal Drive this morning!

Good afternoon. My name is Anissa Lusk, an upcoming senior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, majoring in biol...
05/26/2026

Good afternoon. My name is Anissa Lusk, an upcoming senior at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, majoring in biology with a minor in chemistry. I am currently a student laboratory intern here at Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, and I will be telling you all about my experience here at the company over the last year.
This experience has been both educational and rewarding. Throughout this internship, I have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in laboratory procedures and water quality analysis.
I learned how wastewater samples are collected, tested, and monitored to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and safety standards. Working alongside lab technicians has allowed me to strengthen my technical skills and understanding of laboratory protocols and safety practices.
One of the greatest benefits of this experience has been the professional growth I have gained over the last year. I have been exposed to real-world workplace dynamics between supervisors and workers and have been shown great examples of professionalism.
I would like to thank Mr. Ken Johnson and the Utility Commission for allowing this opportunity for students to be able to gain this experience in the laboratory setting and for allowing me to be part of this experience. I am proud of what I have learned so far from this company, and I look forward to applying these lessons in my future education and career endeavors. Thank you.

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility Offices will be closed on Friday, May 22nd and Monday, May 25th in observation of Memorial...
05/21/2026

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility Offices will be closed on Friday, May 22nd and Monday, May 25th in observation of Memorial Day.

Offices will re-open on Tuesday, May 26th at 8AM.

Address

1520 South Ohio Street
Pine Bluff, AR
71601

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

(870) 535-6603

Website

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