Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility

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.

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.

05/19/2026

05/18/2026

Today, we proudly recognize the PBWU team for achieving 100% compliance at the Boyd Point Treatment Facility for seventeen straight years. This outstanding accomplishment reflects the hard work, professionalism, and daily dedication required to protect public health and preserve our environment.

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies recognizes utilities across the nation for excellence in environmental quality and regulatory performance through its prestigious Peak Performance Awards Program. Since 2009, PBWU has consistently earned the Platinum Peak Performance Award — the program’s highest level of recognition — representing perfect permit compliance year after year.

05/13/2026

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility recently purchased and received training on a new trailer-mounted vacuum excavation unit to support safer and more efficient field operations.

The Vermeer unit uses powerful vacuum technology to safely remove dirt around underground utilities without relying on heavy excavation equipment. This no dig excavation process is used to locate existing utilities, expose underground infrastructure, and identify potential damages while minimizing disruption to the surrounding area. It helps reduce the risk of damage to existing infrastructure and provides a safer work environment for crews.

05/08/2026

Thank you for visiting the Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility booth at the Pine Bluff Business Expo on May 7th!

05/05/2026

At Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility, three 600-horsepower blowers power the heart of our treatment process. Each blower represents an investment of approximately $800,000, with three units in operation. These blowers continuously push air into two 20-acre aeration basins, supporting the microorganisms that naturally break down and clean wastewater. On average, we treat about 10 million gallons daily, with these units operating around the clock.

Think of it like a giant washing machine, constantly mixing and adding oxygen to help “scrub” the water clean. This process enhances treatment performance, helps control odors, and ensures compliance with strict Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Operating these blowers comes at a cost of approximately $60,000 per month in electricity. Even so, this approach remains highly efficient and provides reliable wastewater treatment for the communities of Pine Bluff and White Hall.

04/30/2026

Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility is proud to announce that we have been recognized for our continued commitment to safety, receiving both the Water Environment Federation (WEF) Burke Award and the Arkansas Water Environment Association (AWEA) Safety Award for cities with populations over 20,000 at the Arkansas Water Conference in Hot Springs.

The WEF Burke Award honors municipal and industrial wastewater facilities that establish and maintain active, effective safety programs, highlighting our team’s dedication to protecting both our employees and the community we serve.

The AWEA Safety Award recognizes utilities in Arkansas that demonstrate excellence or make significant strides in improving workplace safety for cities with populations greater than 20,000.

These awards reflect the strong safety culture at PBWU and the daily efforts of our staff to ensure a safe working environment. We remain committed to putting safety first in everything we do.

04/24/2026

Safety remains a top priority at Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility.

Today, PBWU held our monthly safety meeting, where employees received important and timely training on Severe Weather Hazards. We were pleased to welcome Tabitha Clarke with the National Weather Service in Little Rock, who provided valuable information on recognizing severe weather threats, staying prepared, and responding safely during hazardous conditions.