"Our water system goes within a few hundred feet of the Hamilton County line," he said. "We're more than adequate but we're bracing ourselves for future growth in all areas of our water system."

"We're going to be improving water treatment plant instrumentation, water quality monitoring, testing equipment, pumping and storage tank monitoring and control systems," said Sam Sharp, one of the treatment plant's operators in Jasper. The project also includes electrical and lighting upgrades and rehabilitation of the plant's clear well.

The $500,000 community development block grant was part of $23 million in grants awarded to Jasper and six other Southeast Tennessee communities on Oct. 30, according to a release from Gov. Phil Bredesen's office.