The PCL Phoenix water treatment project award recognises the rehabilitation of the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant, a key infrastructure upgrade supporting water resilience in one of the United States’ most water-stressed regions.
Delivered by PCL Construction in partnership with Carollo Engineers for the City of Phoenix, the project has been named the Arizona Water Association’s 2026 Water Treatment Project of the Year.
Infrastructure upgrade strengthens water supply resilience
The rehabilitation of the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant forms part of broader efforts to modernise critical infrastructure in Phoenix, where prolonged drought conditions and reduced Colorado River allocations continue to place pressure on water supply systems.
The upgraded facility supports reliable drinking water delivery to approximately 400,000 residents in northern Phoenix, helping ensure continuity of service while improving system resilience.
Maintaining uninterrupted operations during construction was a key requirement, with the project team working to upgrade systems without disrupting supply to customers.
Project delivery under complex conditions
The project was delivered during a period of significant global supply chain disruption, requiring careful coordination and planning to maintain progress and meet delivery timelines.
Construction was carried out using a Construction Manager at Risk delivery model, enabling close collaboration between stakeholders and supporting risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
The award recognises projects that demonstrate technical complexity, innovation and long-term community benefit, reflecting the role of infrastructure investment in supporting sustainable water systems.
What the PCL Phoenix water treatment project award means for the sector
The PCL Phoenix water treatment project award highlights the increasing importance of upgrading existing treatment infrastructure to address climate-related challenges and long-term supply constraints.
In regions such as the US Southwest, water systems are under sustained pressure from reduced river flows, population growth and rising temperatures. As a result, rehabilitation and optimisation of existing assets are becoming as critical as new infrastructure development.
Projects that maintain service continuity while upgrading essential systems are particularly important in urban environments, where interruptions can have significant social and economic impacts.
Collaboration between contractors, engineers and municipalities is also a key factor in delivering complex infrastructure projects successfully, particularly under challenging external conditions.
For more on infrastructure and water resilience, visit our Water Management coverage.
Recognition of long-term infrastructure investment
The Arizona Water Association award reflects the broader role of infrastructure investment in ensuring reliable and sustainable water supply.
As utilities continue to respond to environmental pressures and ageing assets, projects such as the 24th Street Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation demonstrate the importance of maintaining and modernising critical systems.
Further updates on water treatment and infrastructure developments can be found in our Water Treatment section.
