Alvarado Water Treatment Plant Phases

•  East and West Reservoirs1996 COMPLETED$35M

Replaced one of the two original regulating reservoirs that were constructed in 1951 with two prestressed concrete reservoirs. Design included an award-winning water conservation garden.

•  Phase 12003 COMPLETED$65M

Installed eight new filters, renovation of the operations building, upgraded two pump stations, and constructed new washwater recovery tank, chemical storage and mixing facilities satisfying DPH mandate Item 35. This phase of the project also increased the capacity of the plant from 120 mgd to 150 mgd.

•  Earl Thomas Reservoir2004 COMPLETED$31M

The one remaining original 35 MG reservoir was deteriorating, seismically out–of- date and had exceeded its useful life. The new reservoir promotes the disinfection process of the water leaving the plant and meets the updated seismic codes. The new front entry to the plant and associated remote cameras have increased plant security.

•  Phase II Basins 3 & 42007 COMPLETED$56M

Two additional sedimentation and flocculation basins, Basins 3 & 4, and associated piping connections have resulted in increased capacity of the plant from 150 mgd to 200 mgd and satisfied DPH mandated items 34 & 36.

•  Phase III Basins 1 & 2 RehabJUNE 2009 – DEC 2010$20M

Rehabilitation of the flocculation and sedimentation basins 1 & 2 originally constructed in 1952 includes upgraded equipment, controls, and structural improvements to enhance the basins’ efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. The project also installs necessary channels and equipment to allow water treated by ozone to the flow to the west side of the plant. The project satisfies DPH mandated items 99 & 100. The work is currently under construction.

•  Phase IV Ozone FacilitiesJUNE 2008 – DEC 2010$61M

This project, which is under construction, provides for the addition of ozone disinfection facilities. This will assist with meeting new Federal Safe Drinking Water requirements. The project includes all the associated process changes necessary for ozone to become the primary water disinfectant with chlorine being the secondary disinfectant satisfying DPH mandated items 95 & 96. The facility includes the ozone building which houses three 1,000 pounds per day ozone generators, ozone off-gas destruct system, pumps and chemical systems, and ozone contactors. The building height ranges between 25’ to 18’.

Contact Us

If you are interested in learning more about this project, please email us at engineering@sandiego.gov.