DENVER — CH2M HILL has announced the opening of an innovative design-build-operate wastewater treatment/water reuse project developed in partnership with the City of Clovis, Calif.

The City of Clovis Water Reuse Facility will relieve the demand on underground and surface water supplies and will provide recycled water for irrigation of agricultural operations and urban landscaping throughout the City. Using recycled water for these purposes, rather than the traditional water supply, saves millions of gallons of drinking water and protects vital underground supplies — increasingly important as the region’s population continues to grow, the company said.

“Clovis partnered with CH2M HILL to build this facility with innovative technology, which makes it a great neighbor, provides recycled water at a low life-cycle cost,” said Steve Patterson, P.E., principal project manager for CH2M HILL. “The City of Clovis Water Reuse Facility is a great representation of the commitment the City has shown to the environment and its citizens, and it is a great model for other communities who are grappling with issues of surface and/or groundwater shortages.”

The 2.8 million-gallon-per-day (mgd) plant uses low-pressure, high-output ultraviolet lamps for disinfection that require one-third the amount of energy compared to other ultraviolet options. Membrane bioreactors provide the opportunity for better automation, reduced facility size and treatment performance. Additionally, the patented Cannibal sludge reduction system will reduce the amount of biosolids significantly and is the largest application of the technology to date in California.

The design-build-operate contract was a departure from Clovis’ normal customary procurement method. The single-source alternative provided the City an innovative solution at a competitive price. CH2M HILL will operate the facility for 10 years. Second and third phase expansions will increase the daily capacity to 8.4 mgd.

Other noteworthy features include reduced physical presence, advanced odor treatment, landscaping and prairie-style architecture to create a neighbor-friendly treatment plant.

For more information about CH2M HILL, please visit www.ch2mhill.com.