Reliable water infrastructure remains a growing priority across California as drought conditions and changing water availability place increasing pressure on municipal water systems. Shimmick has been recognized with the 2026 ASCE Golden Gate Branch Outstanding Environmental Engineering Project Award for its work on the Antioch Brackish Water Desalination Project, which strengthens the city's long-term drinking water supply.
The Antioch Brackish Water Desalination Project enables the City of Antioch to continue producing up to 6 million gallons of drinking water each day when saltwater intrusion from San Francisco Bay increases salinity levels in the San Joaquin River.
The project introduced a reverse osmosis treatment system, allowing the city to maintain potable water production during periods when river water quality is affected by elevated salt concentrations.
According to Shimmick, the facility is the first desalination plant developed within California's Delta region, adding new treatment capacity to improve water supply reliability.
Construction involved building a new river intake structure and pump station on the San Joaquin River while modernizing existing water infrastructure.
Project work also included integrating new treatment systems into an operating municipal water treatment facility without interrupting drinking water service to the community.
Environmental measures incorporated into the project included fish-friendly intake screens and systems designed to manage concentrated brine while reducing impacts on surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
The project required extensive coordination to address engineering, construction, and operational challenges associated with upgrading active public utility infrastructure.
For municipal owners, water utilities, and infrastructure contractors, the project demonstrates how advanced treatment technologies can improve water system resilience as climate variability affects traditional water sources.
Recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers highlights the importance of projects that combine engineering innovation, environmental stewardship, and uninterrupted utility operations. As communities across the western United States invest in water security, desalination and advanced treatment facilities are expected to play an increasingly important role in long-term infrastructure planning.
Source: Shimmick.
