The GAC Water Treatment Facility project was awarded a 2026 American Water Works Association (AWWA) of Wisconsin Large Project of the Year Award.

When the City of West Bend first began to understand the scope of its per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination, it knew it needed to act quickly to build infrastructure to meet regulations and reduce health risks, otherwise it would need to embark on the costly prospect of drilling new wells. Because of the complexity of treating for PFAS, the method selected would likely impact the City’s water supply for decades. Additionally, City leadership had a preferred treatment method in mind because it had been treating volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for years.

The project’s purpose was to identify and implement the most effective long-term PFAS treatment solution, ensuring the City’s water supply remains safe, reliable, and sustainable for future generations.

This project exemplifies what engineering can achieve at its best: innovative application of proven technology, solutions to emerging public health concerns, adaptability in the face of complexity, and value that extends far beyond the community it directly serves. The West Bend GAC Treatment Facility is more than a treatment plant – it is a model for communities across Wisconsin on how to respond effectively to the next generation of water quality challenges.

This project also won an ACEC National Recognition Award, ACEC-WI Grand Award, and an ACEC-WI Best of State Award. Learn more about the project here!