With Edmond, Oklahoma’s population nearly doubling since the 1990s, the city’s demand for clean, reliable drinking water has grown substantially. To meet this rising need, the City of Edmond, in partnership with The Walsh Group and Carollo Engineers, is expanding the Arcadia Lake Water Treatment Plant, an ambitious project that will secure the city’s water future for decades to come. A recent article in Construction News highlighted this groundbreaking projection designed by Carollo.
Designing Resilience: Expanding the Arcadia Lake WTP
Originally built in the 1980s, the Arcadia Lake Water Treatment Plant currently delivers 12 million gallons of water per day. Once the current expansion is complete, it will be able to treat up to 50 million gallons daily, vastly increasing the city’s self-sufficiency. That means fewer summer water restrictions, greater drought resilience, and no more reliance on neighboring Oklahoma City during periods of peak demand.
Granular Activated Carbon for PFAS Removal
One of the project’s most notable features is a new granular activated carbon (GAC) filter building designed to enhance water quality and help remove contaminants like PFAS. Although PFAS aren’t currently regulated, the design anticipates future standards, giving Edmond a head start on compliance.
Additional upgrades to the facility include a high-lift pump station equipped with 15 pumps and capacity for future expansion, as well as a dedicated recycle pump station to enhance operational efficiency. The project also adds 10 million gallons of new clearwell storage, providing greater flexibility and reliability in daily water delivery. To strengthen emergency preparedness, the expansion includes a new electrical building outfitted with backup generators, helping maintain operations during power outages.
Water Treatment Plant Upgrades: Design Efficiency and Smart Spending
Carollo’s design also took space and site conditions into account. Many of the well sites are compact, so treatment technologies and equipment had to be carefully chosen to maximize performance without overextending the plant’s footprint.
Working closely with the City of Edmond, the construction team identified ways to save money without sacrificing quality. For example, a creative dirt-hauling plan reduced transportation costs and gave the city more flexibility for future site development.
Utility, Construction, Design: Strong Partnerships Power Progress
Construction began in 2022 and is scheduled for completion in 2026. When it’s done, Edmond will have a modern, expanded facility capable of supporting its future growth while maintaining full control over its water supply and treatment processes.
The collaboration between the City of Edmond, The Walsh Group, and Carollo Engineers is at the heart of this project’s success. With a shared commitment to high standards, smart design, and community benefit, the team has been able to keep the project on budget while delivering long-term value for Edmond residents.
To learn more about the Arcadia Lake Water Treatment Plant expansion, read the full article in Construction News.
