LAWTON, Okla. (KSWO) - The City of Lawton is being awarded $5.125 million in grants from the EPA to help in the building of new equipment at the Southeast Water Treatment Plant (SEWTP).

The funds will combine with a $2 million state ARPA grant to help cover a portion of the $17 million project cost.

According to officials, the SEWTP is responsible for treating and distributing millions of gallons of water per day from Waurika Lake; however, the plant currently lacks the capacity to process the residual waste left on the site.

Residuals left on the site are sent to the Lawton Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The WWTP has been in operation for several decades and has received over $80 million in upgrades.

Officials say the new SEWTP project will complement the project by implementing equipment to "filter backwash and treatment waste solids."

"This investment strengthens our City's infrastructure and secures a dependable water supply for our community," Rusty Whisenhunt, Director of Public Utilities, said. "By treating residuals at the SEWTP with equipment tailored for drinking water processes, we ensure the long-term sustainability of Lawton's water and wastewater systems."