PHOENIX — PCL Construction has been recognized for excellence in water infrastructure after delivering a major rehabilitation project for the city of Phoenix that earned top industry honors.
The company announced that the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation project has been named the 2026 Water Treatment Project of the Year by the Arizona Water Association. The award highlights projects that demonstrate innovation, technical complexity and long-term community benefits.
Delivered through a Construction Manager at Risk model, the project was completed in partnership with Carollo Engineers for the City of Phoenix. The recognition was presented during the Arizona Water Association’s 99th Annual Conference and Exhibition.
The rehabilitation project plays a key role in strengthening Phoenix’s water infrastructure at a time when cities across the Southwest face increasing pressure from drought and declining water supplies.
The upgraded facility improves system resilience and helps mitigate the impacts of prolonged drought conditions and reduced flows from the Colorado River, a primary water source for the region.
By modernizing the plant, the project ensures more reliable water treatment operations for a growing population while supporting long-term sustainability goals. The improvements are particularly significant for northern Phoenix, where the facility serves a large share of residents.
Despite being delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project team successfully navigated supply chain disruptions and logistical constraints while maintaining continuous operations.
“Despite pandemic-era supply chain challenges, our team successfully navigated constraints to meet the project timeline and maintain uninterrupted water service for nearly 400,000 residents in northern Phoenix,” said Ankur Talwar, PCL’s Civil Infrastructure district manager. “We are honored to receive this award and to be recognized for the collaboration and commitment that made this critical infrastructure project possible.”
Maintaining uninterrupted service was a critical component of the project, as the plant remained operational throughout construction. This required careful coordination between contractors, engineers and city officials to ensure that upgrades could be completed without disrupting water delivery.
The project also demonstrates the growing importance of collaborative delivery methods such as Construction Manager at Risk, which allow for greater coordination, risk management and efficiency on complex infrastructure projects.
The award underscores a broader trend in infrastructure investment, particularly in water systems facing climate-related pressures. As municipalities work to modernize aging facilities, projects like the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant Rehabilitation highlight the importance of innovation and resilience in public works.
For PCL Construction, the recognition reinforces its position in the civil infrastructure sector and its ability to deliver complex projects under challenging conditions.
As cities like Phoenix continue to invest in water infrastructure, the success of this project serves as a model for balancing technical demands, environmental challenges and community needs.
Originally reported by AZ Big Media.
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