After eight years of planning, testing, design and construction, the Portsmouth water system’s Madbury Water Treatment Plant is ready for action. The plant will open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Saturday, Nov. 19.

The new $20 million plant replaces the former 50-year-old facility at the same location. It provides drinking water to the communities of Portsmouth, Newington, New Castle and portions of Greenland and Rye.

According to deputy director of public works David Allen, the plant has updated technology with premium motors and energy-efficient design elements. It will receive Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) silver certification.

Portsmouth’s 2003 Water System Master Plan called for upgrades to the treatment plant to improve reliability, increase capacity, and meet new regulatory requirements. It has a maximum treatment/pumping capacity of 4 million gallons per day.

The ribbon-cutting takes place at 9:30 a.m. outside the plant at 60 Freshet Road in Madbury. It is open to the public.