Central Alabama Water Cuts Costs, Focuses on Infrastructure

0:00This is Cory with the story, here with your quick two-minute update from Birmingham News today. Central Alabama Waters Board approved slash budgets for fiscal year 2026, holding the line on customer rates with no increases this year. They cut overall spending sharply, directing millions toward fixing leaks, replacing aging pipes, and key infrastructure like the Lake Perty Dam. Earlier this week, the operations budget dropped to $123.8 million from nearly $140 million, a. 12.5% trim. Capital spending fell even more, from $75.7 million to $34.9 million with over $4 million aimed. At curbing water loss last year, 53% of treated water went unbuild. These changes eliminated 225 positions, down from $688, freeing up over $11 million. CEO Jeffrey Thompson praised the team's efforts for cost savings, stressing a focus on reliable

1:00service without burdening customers. Tensions rose at the meeting when the board granted the CEO a full decision-making authority via alas-minute ordinance. State Representative Juwanda Lynn Jivan called it absurd, arguing it sidelines the board entirely for a public utility. Meanwhile, the utility plans to stop adding fluoride to drinking water, saving over $3.7 million in upgrades and $200, $50,000 yearly in maintenance. Serving 5 counties with more than 4,150 miles of mains, these steps chart a path to financial stability.