November 11, 2026
From top to bottom and all points in between, the Ernest E. Jones Wastewater Treatment Plant is being transformed into modern, state-of-the-art facility designed to position a growing Starkville for many years of reliable, efficient, cost-effective operations.
Opened in 1979, the plant has served Starkville for more than four decades. As equipment aged and infrastructure needs evolved, Starkville Utilities identified the need for significant upgrades to modernize operations, improve efficiency and ensure the system can accommodate the community's continued growth.
The first phase of the upgrade included replacing aerators and making improvements to the oxidation ditches, along with installing an updated electrical system with backup generation to enhance operator safety and support uninterrupted plant operations.
Now in the second phase, construction crews are building a new headworks intake structure and rehabilitating all three clarifiers, essential in the wastewater treatment process and increasing the plant capacity.
“This project is a timely investment in our infrastructure that provides the capacity to serve Starkville’s current needs and future growth,” said Edward Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “We’re also making improvements to maintain ongoing compliance with environmental regulations. Starkville Utilities aims for high standards in all aspects of our service, and this upgrade backs up our commitment to customers and the community.”
Launched in 2023, the wastewater treatment plant project followed data-driven evaluations of Starkville’s water and wastewater systems that identified the need for equipment upgrades and replacements.
To help minimize the financial impact on customers, Starkville Utilities secured external funding to offset approximately half of the $9 million cost for Phase One. Funding sources include the Mississippi Municipality and County Water Infrastructure grant program and the American Rescue Plan Act.
Beyond the significant cost savings for customers, Kemp credited the Starkville Utilities team and plant operators for maintaining safe, efficient operations while construction is underway.
“Our operators have done a fantastic job of operating the plant at a high level despite changing plant configurations during construction,” Kemp said. “This work has been the result of a team effort to deliver a high-quality project that will prepare our plant for reliable, long-term operations.”
Phase 2, the final stage of the two-phase upgrade, is scheduled for completion in fall 2027. When finished, the improvements will provide Starkville with a more modern wastewater treatment system designed to increase treatment capacity, improve operational efficiency, strengthen reliability and reduce long-term maintenance needs.
Throughout construction, the plant remains fully operational, effectively treating the city's wastewater and meeting applicable state and federal regulatory requirements. Construction is being sequenced to maintain essential wastewater services while the improvements are underway.
“The wastewater plant upgrade is part of a larger picture of infrastructure improvements that are moving Starkville forward and driving growth,” said Mayor Lynn Spruill. “Through these strategic investments, we’re building a strong foundation for the future that will benefit the entire community.”
Starkville Utilities is a municipally owned and operated electric and water utility, serving more than 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville as well as the state’s largest institution of higher learning, Mississippi State University.