Sustainable Water Phase 3 — Demonstration Facility

Photo Credit: HRSD

The Sustainable Water Phase 3 — Demonstration Facility is a state-of-the-art research center developed by Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD). The project is a critical milestone in the implementation of the SWIFT program — an innovative advanced water treatment and managed aquifer recharge program designed to mitigate sea level rise, safeguard drinking water supply, facilitate Chesapeake Bay restoration and ensure the region’s economy has the water resources necessary to thrive. This project involved building the 27,735 sf Demonstration Facility, an advanced water treatment and research center that recharges the Potomac Aquifer with 1 MGD of highly treated water. The facility serves as a public education, training and research center and provides a platform for process optimization.

At build out, SWIFT will be one of the world’s largest groundwater recharge programs, replenishing the Potomac Aquifer with over 100 million gallons per day (MGD) of highly-treated water from up to seven facilities. The design-build team was challenged to design and build a high-profile $24.8 million project within a tight schedule while fostering collaboration, innovation and ensuring quality and budget would be met. This collaborative project highlights the benefits of design-build as all parties worked together to overcome challenges and deliver a showcase facility that was completed safely, on time and within budget.

Design-Build Team