The GAC Water Treatment Facility project was awarded a 2026 American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Wisconsin Engineering Excellence Best of State Award.
In 2022, the City of West Bend sampled all its wells for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and found several that exceeded state health guidelines. PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” have become an emerging health concern nationwide. Rather than waiting for regulatory guidance, City leaders moved quickly to find a solution.
The City partnered with Strand Associates, Inc.®, which led an evaluation, pilot testing, design, and construction administration of a new municipal drinking water treatment facility. The project team reviewed treatment options, conducted a year-long pilot study, and designed one of the state’s first granular activated carbon (GAC) systems to treat PFAS.
The new facility has six large treatment vessels, each containing 40,000 pounds of carbon media and standing almost 30 feet tall. As water from the City’s wells passes through the vessels, PFAS and other contaminants are captured, supplying clean, reliable water for more than 31,000 residents. The facility can treat up to 4.3 million gallons per day, providing capacity to meet the City’s needs.
“This project shows how engineering and proactive leadership can come together to solve one of the toughest water challenges of our time,” said Travis Thull, Water Utility Manager. “West Bend residents can feel confident that their drinking water is safe, now and in the future.”
The facility is fully operational, with construction completed in September 2025, marking a significant milestone in Wisconsin as one of the state’s first full-scale PFAS-focused GAC water treatment facilities.
