ATLANTIC, IA – Atlantic Municipal Utilities (AMU) General Manager Matt Klein says the local utility is launching a comprehensive, long-term capital improvement plan aimed at ensuring the continued reliability, safety, and quality of the community’s water system for decades to come. The first phase of the plan includes construction of a new 600,000-gallon Clearwell water storage tank and modernization of critical water system controls.
The new storage tank will replace an aging 300,000-gallon tank that has reached the end of its useful life and is beginning to show signs of deterioration. The project will increase storage capacity while strengthening the resilience and reliability of Atlantic’s water distribution system.
The project represents far more than a routine infrastructure replacement. It is the first step in a strategic, multi-decade effort to maintain and modernize the utility’s water infrastructure while preserving the high level of service Atlantic customers have come to expect.
Matt Klein says “For generations, Atlantic Municipal Utilities has been committed to providing our customers with safe, reliable drinking water that consistently meets and exceeds regulatory standards. This capital improvement plan is designed to build upon that tradition. By investing in our infrastructure today, we are ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy the same high-quality water service our community has relied on for decades.”
The increased storage capacity provided by the new tank will enhance AMU’s ability to meet peak water demands, improve operational flexibility, support fire protection capabilities, and maintain service reliability during maintenance activities or unexpected events. In addition to the new storage tank, AMU will implement significant upgrades to its water system controls and operational technology. These improvements will enhance system monitoring, strengthen operational oversight, and provide operators with advanced tools to ensure the water system continues to function safely and efficiently.
“The water storage tank and control system upgrades work hand in hand to strengthen our entire water system,” said Mitch Burg, Director of Water Operations for Atlantic Municipal Utilities. “Modern infrastructure and advanced controls allow us to better monitor performance, respond more quickly to changing conditions, and maintain the level of reliability and water quality our customers expect. These investments are proactive measures that position our system for long-term success.”
Klein says AMU has established a strong record of delivering water that consistently exceeds state and federal drinking water requirements. Utility leaders say the capital improvement plan is focused on protecting that legacy through careful planning, responsible investment, and the proactive replacement of aging infrastructure before service disruptions occur.
“Reliable water service doesn’t happen by accident,” Klein added. “It requires long-term planning, responsible stewardship, and a commitment to continuous improvement. This project is the first of several investments that will help ensure Atlantic’s water system remains dependable, resilient, and prepared to meet the needs of our community well into the future.”
Updates for the control system will be completed in the fall of 2026, while the construction timeline for the Clearwell storage tank project is expected to last until mid-2027. AMU will continue providing updates to customers throughout the project.
