The Future of Wastewater Treatment Series: Salt Lake City, UT

This article is part of our feature on the future of wastewater in the U.S.’s fastest growing metro areas. We’re using the Transcend Design Generator to automatically build, expand, or upgrade regional wastewater treatment systems in each of these regions.

Utah, home to some of the fastest-growing regions in the United States, is a beacon of sustainable development. Two of its counties, Salt Lake County (#30) and Utah County (#35), have witnessed tremendous growth, necessitating advanced wastewater treatment solutions. It’s in this context that Transcend Design Generator (TDG) proposes an expansion of the Jordan Basin Water Reclamation Facility (JBWRF).

Commencing its construction in 2009, the JBWRF has been a testament to forward-thinking planning. The state-of-the-art facility uses membrane technology and ultraviolet light disinfection, allowing it to deliver water ready for use in secondary irrigation systems. With an initial capacity of 15 MGD, it was designed keeping future needs in mind.

With Salt Lake City population growth trajectory, TDG recognizes the need to build upon this foresight. Our plan is to extend the JBWRF capacity to 25 MGD, accommodating the increased water demand due to the population boom.

As we engage in this expansion, a peculiar local geography fascinates us – the Antelope Island. Nestled next to Salt Lake City and extending into the Great Salt Lake, this landmass stirs a compelling debate. You might wonder, as we did, why it’s called an ‘Island’ when it is, in fact, a peninsula. This naming anomaly, while perplexing, adds a unique charm to our Utah endeavor. If anyone has insights into this nomenclature mystery, we’re all ears!

As we venture into this expansion project, we remember that our job isn’t just about managing wastewater, but preserving the integrity of regions, their stories, and their peculiarities. With TDG, we’re not only engineering solutions for today but also safeguarding our tomorrow. As for the case of Antelope Island, we might not solve the naming riddle, but we’ll ensure to uphold its natural beauty through our sustainable approach.

If you’d like to see the full design package for this treatment plant, send us a note at info@transcendinfra.com or contact us here and a member of our team will share it with you!

If you enjoyed this piece you may also want to read about the future of wastewater in Houston.