The Adair County Water District and Columbia Utilities  Commission joined together in 2003 to form a new entity Columbia/Adair County Water Commission. The main goal for the new Commission was to serve the water needs of the growing Water District and the City of Columbia. The Commission was formed by an order of the Adair County Fiscal Court in February 2003.

Columbia/Adair County Water Commission obtained funding from the USDA Rural Development in the form of a loan and grant, a grant from the 2005 General Assembly, a grant from Community Development and a low interest loan from Kentucky Infrastructure Authority. The total project cost was $14,500,000.

Construction was completed in 2008 and the new plant began supplying the water needs for Adair County Water District and Columbia Utilities. With its capacity rated at 5 MG ( Million Gallon ) there is room to grow as the water needs of the county increase. On May 30, 2008 a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony was held to celebrate the opening with over 300 people in attendance. Local dignitaries were in attendance, including U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell and Senator Vernie McGaha and Former Rural Utility Service Administrator  and Adair County Native Hilda Legg. All of the individuals were very instrumental in helping to obtain funding for this important project.