Tetra Tech helped Tarpon Springs, Florida, achieve its longstanding goal of establishing an independent water supply, instead of purchasing the bulk of its water from a nearby county. Engineering News-Record (ENR) recently recognized the Tetra Tech-supported reverse osmosis water treatment plant (ROWTP) facility and supply systems with an Award of Merit.

Tetra Tech worked with design-build partner Wharton-Smith to provide seamless project execution. Tetra Tech provided engineering, process design, final design, permitting, construction administration, and start-up and testing for the ROWTP. The facility can treat up to 6.4 million gallons per day of brackish water—transforming it into potable water for the 25,000 residents of Tarpon Springs.

This project also required design, permitting, and construction of a new 5-million-gallon ground storage tank and associated high-service pump station. Tetra Tech was responsible for hydraulic design, pump selection, electrical engineering, and controls associated with the pumping system. Our engineers also coordinated with state and local permitting agencies, sought permit modifications, and obtained construction permits for the facilities.

While constructing the ground storage tank, team members encountered challenging subsurface conditions, such as deleterious material in the surficial sands and pockets of unconsolidated materials at depth. These conditions were closely surveyed and studied to provide alternative foundation designs and tank support methods, which resulted in the project being completed on time and within the original budget.

Learn more about the project's ENR Award of Merit here.