Drinking Water Tour

KUB Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant
Operational resiliency at a historic facility

Sunday, July 27, 12:45 pm - 2:45 pm (transportation included)

12:45 pm - Pickup from the Convention Center
2:00 pm - Pickup from the Facility

Since 1860 with just 500 customers, to the present day with over The KUB Mark B. Whitaker Water Treatment Plant (WTP), located in Knoxville, Tennessee, is a state-of-the-art facility that plays a crucial role in providing safe, clean drinking water to the area's residents. With a capacity to treat up to 70 million gallons of water per day, the plant utilizes advanced treatment processes such as flocculation, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection to ensure water quality meets or exceeds federal and state standards. The plant draws water from the Tennessee River and serves as a vital component of the Knoxville Utilities Board’s water system, supporting both residential and commercial needs in the region. It is named after Mark B. Whitaker, a former KUB president who significantly contributed to the city's water infrastructure development.

Closed-toe shoes, hard-hats, and safety glasses are required.  Hard-hats/glasses are provided, or attendees can use their own. 

Clean Water Tour 

KUB Kuwahee Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF)
Successful implementation of new procedures and technology

Sunday, July 27, 1:30pm - 3:30pm (transportation included)

1:30 pm - Pickup from the Convention Center
3:15 pm - Pickup from the Facility

The KUB Kuwahee Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF) is a major wastewater treatment plant located in Knoxville, Tennessee, designed to treat and purify wastewater before it is safely returned to the environment. With a treatment capacity of up to 75 million gallons per day, the facility employs advanced processes such as biological nutrient removal, filtration, and disinfection to meet strict regulatory standards. The Kuwahee WRRF serves the Knoxville community by ensuring the safe treatment of sewage, reducing pollution, and protecting local water quality. Additionally, it plays a key role in the region's sustainability efforts by recovering valuable resources like biosolids and providing efficient treatment services for both residential and industrial users.

Hard-hats/glasses are provided, or attendees can use their own.