New Water Treatment Plant Emphasizes Efficiency and Sustainability

In 2012, the City of Ashland proposed a new water treatment plant to meet both current and future community needs. The design maintains the existing plant’s maximum day production of 7.5 MGD while allowing flexibility to accommodate long-term growth identified in the City’s 2020–2040 Water Master Plan update. The project aligns with the City’s priorities for reliable drinking water, emergency preparedness and climate resilience. The new WTP incorporates a multi-barrier treatment process — including ozone pretreatment, sedimentation, filtration, and disinfection — to improve water quality and address emerging risks such as cyanotoxins.

In November 2017, the City Council reviewed options presented by the Director of Public Works, including rehabilitating the existing plant to extend its life by 20 years or constructing a new 7.5 MGD facility. The evaluation focused on comparing costs, risks and performance using the same treatment approach.

In late 2018, the City hired HDR to complete Phase 1 preliminary engineering for a new 7.5 MGD water treatment plant. The new facility is being designed in accordance with the 2013 Oregon Resilience Plan for water systems and current seismic building standards. Unlike the existing unreinforced masonry facility — built before modern seismic considerations design requirements — the new plant will be designed to withstand earthquakes, a 100-year flood and a catastrophic failure of Hosler Dam. Anticipated updates to building codes are expected to further strengthen seismic requirements and reinforce the need for replacement rather than rehabilitation.

In 2019, HDR advanced to Phase 2, conducting value engineering and constructability reviews, supporting permitting, and preparing bid-ready plans and specifications. We also supported public engagement, contractor outreach and bid evaluation.

Designed for a service life of more than 80 years, the facility prioritizes efficiency and sustainability, with improvements expected to reduce pumping energy by up to 60%. Additional features include evaluating on-site solar power and incorporating Envision sustainability principles.