Water/Wastewater Division History

As early as the late 1700's, settlers were passing through the Wiregrass Area, stopping at a spring known as Poplar Head. By the mid 1850's, the area around the spring had grown into the town of Dothan. As the small town grew, the demand for water also grew and it was soon realized that a more reliable source of water was needed for the town. In 1896, Dothan's Mayor, Judge H.A. Pearce, ordered the drilling of the town's first water well which was located at the south wall of the Dothan Opera House. A water tower was then constructed in the part of town known as "Dixie" on East Powell Street. In 1912, a second well was drilled at what is now the Wiregrass Museum of Art.

In 1976, the Electric Superintendent became the Water and Electric Superintendent and took over direction of both the Water Department and the Electric Department. Each Department is still operated as a separate entity.

In 1980, the Westgate Water Tank (Dothan's seventh tank) was recognized as the Elevated Water Storage Tank of the Year. The tank is located on Westgate Parkway in Westgate Park.

Over the years, the Water Department has grown significantly adding more customers, wells and tanks. In 2003,  the Wastewater Division became a part of Dothan Utilities.  Currently, there are approximately 30,000 customers served by thirty four wells and thirteen tanks. With an average production of 13 MGD (millions gallons per day) and a maximum production of 29 MGD (million gallons per day), Dothan's water system is one of the largest in the area.

The Wastewater Collections division operates and maintains the city's sanitary sewer system, including 65 pumping stations, and miles of underground sewer pipe.

The Wastewater Treatment division handles the operation and maintenance of the City's four (4) wastewater treatment facilities which are capable of treating 17 million gallons of wastewater per day as well as a sludge composting facility.

• Beaver Creek Treatment Facility

• Cypress Creek Treatment Facility

• Little Choctawhatchee Treatment Facility

• Omussee Creek Treatment Facility

DOTHAN UTILITIES MISSION STATEMENT: To provide the world's best leadership and quality services to the citizens of Dothan which affords them the opportunity to fulfill their educational, social, cultural, spiritual and economic needs.