As evolving federal regulations tighten limits on per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water, the South Adams County Water & Sanitation District (the District) faced a clear challenge: implement a proven treatment solution that protects public health and ensures long‑term reliability for Commerce City's growing community.

PCL Construction is delivering the Klein Facility Enhancement Project for PFAS, an advanced ion exchange treatment facility built on the site of the existing Klein Water Treatment Facility. Once complete, the system will remove PFAS compounds from 18 million gallons per day (MGD) of groundwater sourced from 13 production wells, ensuring the District continues to meet stringent federal drinking water standards.

The new facility reflects PCL’s expertise delivering complex water infrastructure upgrades within active treatment environments. By focusing on constructability, seamless system integration, and schedule certainty, PCL is supporting the District’s commitment to safe, high‑quality drinking water.

At the core of the enhancement project is a full‑scale ion exchange treatment system designed to efficiently and reliably remove PFAS from groundwater supplies. First, a new below‑grade equalization tank will stabilize fluctuations in well production. From there, six vertical turbine pumps will convey treated water through the ion exchange process. During this process, water is passed through specialized resin media that captures contaminants. The water will then be pumped to the existing treatment facility for further blending, treatment, and distribution. 

To provide flexibility across the District’s service area, the facility includes two independent treatment trains:

• North Train: Four duplex ion exchange units treating 10 MGD from northern wellfields.

• South Train: Three triplex ion exchange units treating 8 MGD from central and southern wellfields. 

Through the CMAR delivery method, PCL has partnered closely with the District and engineering partner Brown & Caldwell to coordinate system tie‑ins, refine constructability, manage costs, and maintain the schedule.

The project is funded through grants provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, prioritizing communities dealing with emerging contaminants. The District has secured nearly $61 million in federal grant funding and will close remaining funding needs through a low‑interest Colorado Drinking Water State Revolving Fund loan.

This funding strategy ensures long‑term community benefit while reducing financial impact on ratepayers.

• Treatment Capacity: 18 million gallon per day (MGD) groundwater PFAS treatment

• Technology: Full‑scale ion exchange treatment with specialized PFAS‑selective resin

• Federal Funding: Nearly $61 million in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants

• Completion: September 2026 (anticipated)