Irvine Ranch Water District Partners with COWI-GFT for Major Water Project

Article Sponsored by:

CMiC Global

CMIC Global Logo

Since 1974, CMiC has been a global leader in enterprise software for the construction industry. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, CMiC delivers a fully integrated platform that streamlines project management, financials, and field operations.

With a focus on innovation and customer success, CMiC empowers construction firms to enhance efficiency, improve collaboration, and make data-driven decisions. Trusted by industry leaders worldwide, CMiC continues to shape the future of construction technology.

Read More About CMiC: 

Construction site of the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project.

News Summary

The Irvine Ranch Water District has selected COWI and GFT for the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project, marking a historic upgrade to Southern California’s recycled water infrastructure. The project will significantly expand the reservoir’s capacity and enhance water supply reliability in Orange County while promoting sustainability and compliance with state regulations.

Irvine Ranch Water District Selects COWI-GFT for Landmark Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project

The Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) has chosen COWI, in partnership with GFT (previously known as Gannett Fleming), to manage the construction of the Syphon Reservoir Improvement Project. This initiative is noted as the largest capital project in IRWD’s history, representing a significant upgrade to the recycled water infrastructure in Southern California.

As a part of this ambitious project, the capacity of the Syphon Reservoir will experience a major expansion, increasing from its current size to a substantial 5,000 acre-feet. This enhancement will allow for a tenfold increase in the reservoir’s storage capability, aimed at supporting irrigation and other non-potable uses with recycled water.

Upon completion, the upgraded reservoir is expected to significantly bolster regional water supply reliability, diminish the reliance on imported water, and promote climate resilience within Orange County. The multi-year contract with COWI-GFT mandates the provision of a wide range of construction management services. These services will cover aspects such as constructability reviews, contractor support, risk management, quality assurance, and environmental coordination to comply with the state’s dam and water quality standards.

The Syphon Reservoir enhancement aligns with IRWD’s long-term strategy to broaden recycled water reuse and lessen dependence on outside water supplies. This undertaking is a testament to IRWD’s commitment to sustainable water management in the region.

PFAS Treatment System Collaboration

In another significant development, the Orange County Water District (OCWD) and IRWD have celebrated a crucial milestone with the completion of a new treatment system designed to effectively remove PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) from local groundwater. This state-of-the-art treatment facility employs ion exchange technology and possesses the capability to purify up to 3,200 gallons of water per minute. This provision is expected to deliver clean drinking water for approximately 14,000 households within IRWD’s service area.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony for this project underscored the partnership between OCWD and IRWD, highlighting their commitment to proactively safeguarding water quality and public health. OCWD is responsible for funding the design and construction of these PFAS treatment facilities and will also manage half of the ongoing operational and maintenance expenses.

Since its establishment in 2019, OCWD has implemented one of the nation’s most ambitious regional PFAS treatment programs, working collaboratively with local groundwater producers to ensure the safety of drinking water. IRWD’s drinking water supply adheres to both state and federal quality standards, including the forthcoming PFAS regulations set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for 2029.

State of PFAS Levels in Orange County

An important assessment by the UC Irvine study previously indicated the existence of PFAS in Orange County’s drinking water, with considerable levels recorded before 2018. However, IRWD’s water quality has shown significant improvement, with no detectable PFAS levels reported since that year, thereby affirming compliance with the EPA’s standards.

PFAS, often dubbed “forever chemicals,” are notorious for their environmental persistence and ability to accumulate in the human body, raising concerns about serious health effects, including an increased risk of cancer and immune complications. The ongoing efforts of OCWD and IRWD to deliver safe drinking water have garnered recognition from the State Water Board and the EPA, confirming their collaborative projects aimed at combating PFAS contamination.

The funding utilized for OPA-1’s treatment facility springs from both the State Water Resources Control Board and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, supported by initiatives such as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

As these projects progress, both the Syphon Reservoir Improvement and the PFAS treatment system stand as monumental contributions to sustainable water management and public health in Orange County.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Construction CA Resources

COWI and GFT Awarded $25M Contract for Reservoir Project

Additional Resources

Construction CA News
Author: Construction CA News

The CALIFORNIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructioncanews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in California and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rose Parade, Coachella, Comic-Con, and the California State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the California Building Industry Association and Associated General Contractors of California, plus leading businesses in technology and entertainment that power the local economy such as Apple and Alphabet. As part of the broader network, including constructionnynews.com, constructiontxnews.com, and constructionflnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape across multiple states.

Stay Connected

More Updates

Would You Like To Add Your Business?

WordPress Ads