Construction Update August 2026

Clearing the Way for the Next Phase

Construction crews made significant progress in August, with the most visible achievement being the removal of debris from the recently demolished Regulator House 3 on the site of the old 1925 slow sand filters. This opens up the site for upcoming underground piping installations and future foundation work.

Dump trailers remove the Regulator House 3 demolition debris from the site. These trailers can haul about 30 tons per load. About 10-15 trucks visited the site daily for cleanup.

Metal Separation and Recycling

Crews used large shears to separate metal from concrete in the debris, including the hundred-year-old riveted steel pipes. The recovered metal will be recycled, giving these historic materials a new life elsewhere.

These large pieces of metal come from the filter’s original pipes, dating to 1925.

New Stormwater Connection and Raw Water Main

Another major milestone was the connection of the new stormwater drainage system. Drainage from the site originally travelled below the 1925 slow sand filters.  In order to construct the new water treatment plant, this drainage needed to be relocated. Crews installed a new manhole structure and completed critical tie-ins that were necessary before additional site work could proceed.

To mark out the location of the new manhole, the crew used GPS to locate the exact center (marked in pink) and a laser to set the grade.

The newly installed manhole allows the old storm sewer to be connected to the site’s new storm sewer.

Work also continued on the new raw water transmission mains. Large-diameter pipes, some measuring up to six feet in diameter, were installed, welded, tested, and prepared for service. Specialized welding and vacuum testing help ensure every connection is secure before the pipeline is placed into operation.

Welders work from the inside of the large diameter pipes using “stulling rods” to maintain the pipe’s shape.

After welding, the joints are tested, wrapped, and sealed. You can learn more about what it takes to build and connect these pipes here.

Throughout the site, excavation and rock removal activities remained ongoing as crews prepared the ground for future construction. Despite the scale of the work, the project team continues to coordinate closely with plant operations to keep this active water treatment facility running safely and reliably during construction.

With debris removal nearing completion and underground infrastructure taking shape, the project is well positioned to transition into its next phase in the coming weeks, which includes more pipe installation on the site.