The Water Department Crew pictured left to right: Rusty Joslin, Brad Scott, Water & Light Superintendent Rick Koenig, and Dan Durre. Not pictured Ryan Smith.

(KNZA)--Construction of a new Hiawatha water treatment plant has begun.

Groundbreaking was held last week for the more than $3.5 million ion exchange plant on property north of Hiawatha along U.S. 73 Highway.

Construction of the new plant has been in the works for some time as the city has been working to address the ongoing problem of high nitrate levels in the city’s water supply.

A news release from the city says its been a long process to get to this point and the city appreciates their customer’s patience.

When completed and in operation, the release says the plant will lower the nitrites in the water under the maximum contaminant level of ten milligrams per liter as set by state and federal regulators.

The project also includes additional distribution lines to provide less interruptions in service.

AHRS Construction, of Bern, is serving as the contractor on project.

Construction is expected to be complete within 12 months.