Water infrastructure upgrades are increasingly requiring municipalities to balance treatment performance, aging facilities and future service demands within defined capital budgets. Claremore, Oklahoma, has completed a $28 million improvement program at its water treatment plant, adding new treatment processes and modifying existing infrastructure to improve system performance.
The project introduced a greensand filtration system designed to address manganese in the water supply. Manganese can contribute to discoloration, making its removal an important treatment objective for the municipal system.
A new chemical feed system provides enhanced coagulation to reduce organic compounds associated with taste and odor concerns. The improvements were designed to help the plant manage seasonal variations in raw-water quality.
Construction also included new buildings housing the two treatment systems, along with modifications to the existing plant. The work included deepening treatment lagoons, rerouting the lagoon outfall and renovating existing facilities.
The completed improvements are intended to increase treatment reliability and operational efficiency while providing additional capacity for residential and commercial demand.
Burns & McDonnell provided integrated engineering, architecture, construction and related services under a progressive design-build delivery model. The project began in October 2021 and progressed through startup of the new treatment systems.
The Claremore Public Works Authority coordinated with the project team and third-party plant operator Inframark during delivery. Financing was provided by the Oklahoma Water Resources Board.
The project also used Oklahoma's flexible permitting process for public water supply and wastewater projects. Under the alternative approach, authorized design-build projects can advance through multiple design packages.
Claremore was among four Oklahoma municipalities selected to pilot the permitting and delivery approach. The process allowed project pricing and long-lead equipment considerations to be addressed earlier while providing flexibility to refine scope during design and construction.
For municipal owners, the Claremore project demonstrates how water treatment upgrades can combine new process systems with modifications to existing infrastructure rather than relying solely on new plant construction.
The use of progressive design-build and flexible permitting also provides a delivery model for public water projects where equipment procurement, evolving design requirements and budget control must be coordinated throughout construction. The $28 million investment adds treatment capabilities while upgrading existing plant assets to support the community's ongoing water service needs.
Source: Burns & McDonnell.
