ABOUT US
Georgetown Municipal Water & Sewer Service
GMWSS proudly serves the communities of Georgetown, parts of Stamping Ground, Sadieville, Midway, and Lexington, providing reliable, high-quality water to over 15,500 customers. With a network of 420 miles of water mains and a treatment facility capable of processing up to 4 million gallons daily, we are committed to supporting the region’s growth while ensuring the delivery of safe, clean water. Our operations are overseen by a dedicated board of commissioners, with meetings open to the public on the first and third Tuesday of every month. We also offer plant tours for those interested in learning about our processes firsthand.
Our History
GMWSS has been rooted in the Georgetown community since 1775 when the Big Spring (now known as Royal Spring) was first tapped by early settlers. In 1889, the Georgetown Water Works Company was incorporated to regulate and treat this vital resource. By 1945, the City of Georgetown took ownership, establishing the Municipal Water Works Plant, and in 1962, the water and sewer systems were unified to create what is now known as Georgetown Municipal Water and Sewer Service. Over the years, we’ve expanded our capacity and modernized operations, adding infrastructure and advanced filtration systems to meet the growing demands of our community.
Basins at Royal Spring Water Treatment Plant
OPERATIONS
Our Process
At GMWSS, we are committed to delivering safe, clean water to our customers and ensuring sustainable water management for future generations. Our operations encompass everything from water sourcing to wastewater treatment, with each step guided by a focus on efficiency, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Water Sourcing
Our primary water source is Royal Spring, an underground stream fed by rainwater. Additionally, we purchase treated water from the Kentucky River via pipelines from Frankfort Plant Board and, occasionally, KY American Water. The Royal Spring is a unique aquifer that begins near Lexington and travels underground, supplying fresh water to our community. From these sources, we capture, store, and divert water to begin the purification process at our treatment facility.
Water Treatment Plant
Once the water reaches our treatment plant, it undergoes a multi-step process to ensure it is safe for consumption. We start by removing larger particles in the settling basin, followed by chemical treatments including the addition of potassium permanganate, alum, and lime. This helps eliminate contaminants and improves water clarity. Further filtration through sand and charcoal, as well as disinfection using chloramines and UV light, ensures the water meets all federal safety standards. Our plant has the capacity to treat up to 4 million gallons of water daily, providing clean and safe water for our entire service area.
Distribution
After treatment, water is stored in our clear well and then pumped into our network of 420 miles of water mains. From there, gravity-fed water towers help distribute potable water to homes and businesses across Georgetown and the surrounding areas. Our distribution system is carefully monitored to maintain pressure and ensure that water quality remains consistent throughout its journey to your tap.
Collections
Our collections department manages the infrastructure responsible for carrying wastewater away from homes and businesses. This includes the maintenance of sewer lines and pump stations that safely transport wastewater to our treatment facilities. The collection system ensures that wastewater is properly handled, preventing contamination of local water sources.
Wastewater Treatment
Wastewater from homes, businesses, and storm drains is treated at our wastewater treatment facilities. Through physical, biological, and chemical processes, we remove harmful contaminants from the water before safely returning it to the environment. Our wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in protecting the local ecosystem and ensuring that water used by the community is treated responsibly.
Engineering
Our engineering department is the backbone of GMWSS’s growth and innovation. This team designs and oversees the construction and maintenance of water and wastewater infrastructure, ensuring that we stay ahead of the community’s needs. Whether it’s upgrading treatment technologies or expanding our distribution network, our engineers focus on improving efficiency and sustainability.
Administration
Behind the scenes, our administrative team manages day-to-day operations, customer service, billing, communications and compliance with local and federal regulations. This department ensures that GMWSS runs smoothly, providing support to all divisions and making sure our customers’ needs are met efficiently and professionally. From financial planning to customer outreach, administration keeps the organization connected and moving forward.