New Resilient Greenfield Water Treatment Plant

Brookings Municipal Utilities selected HDR, in partnership with Banner Associates, to deliver a resilient 6 million gallons per day (MGD) water treatment facility that replaces aging infrastructure and strengthens long-term system reliability. Located on a greenfield site, the plant integrates conventional lime softening, aeration and media filtration with scalable design to expand toward 10 MGD as community demand grows. HDR led the design and oversaw construction of the facility, along with 70,000 linear feet of new transmission mains and supporting utility improvements, providing cohesive, systemwide support.

The treatment process is engineered for performance and operational flexibility. Dual aerators, solids-contact basins and recarbonation basins offer effective removal of iron and manganese and stabilization of finished water. Six dual-media filters, designed for potential future granular activated carbon conversion, position the facility to adapt to evolving regulations and source water conditions. Configurable piping and valving allow operators to blend or independently treat water from the north and east well fields through the filtration stage, providing redundancy and control under varying conditions.

Supporting infrastructure includes dual clearwells, high-service pumping systems, backwash recycle basins, and on-site sludge management facilities designed for gravity operation and beneficial reuse. Chemical systems are fully redundant and allow future expansion, reflecting our commitment to reliability and long-term value. The facility incorporates modern architectural, structural and building systems, along with integrated controls, security and backup power.

Completed in 2025, the project demonstrates our ability to anticipate client needs, navigate technical complexity and deliver efficient, high-quality water infrastructure. The plant, operating in conjunction with an existing East Water Plant, secures a dependable supply of safe drinking water while positioning BMU for continued growth and community service.