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Carollo and partners publish AI guidebook for potable reuse utilities. August 4, 2026 * Carollo Engineers and partners have released a free AI and ML guidebook for potable reuse. * The guidebook was developed with Yokogawa, NWRI and Baylor University. * The work was funded through the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. * Topics include data management, model development, cybersecurity and workforce readiness. * Use cases include fault detection, predictive maintenance, digital twins and water quality forecasting. Carollo Engineers and partners have released a free guidebook to help water utilities evaluate, deploy and maintain artificial intelligence and machine learning tools in potable reuse systems. The guidebook focuses on potable reuse, but Carollo said many of the underlying principles also apply to conventional drinking water and wastewater treatment systems. Practical guidance for AI adoption. The guidebook covers the full AI and machine learning implementation lifecycle, from foundational concepts and data management through to model development, pilot testing, cybersecurity, workforce readiness and long-term maintenance. It also sets out real-world applications including process optimisation, predictive maintenance, water quality forecasting, digital twins and fault detection. "Artificial intelligence and machine learning have the potential to help utilities make better use of the vast amount of operational data generated every day," said Andy Salveson, vice president at Carollo Engineers and principal investigator for the project. "This guidebook provides a practical path forward for utilities interested in exploring these technologies, from understanding the fundamentals to successfully implementing and maintaining tools that support more informed operational decisions." Potable reuse and operational resilience. Potable reuse systems generate large volumes of process and water quality data. AI and machine learning tools can help utilities identify abnormal performance, forecast water quality, optimise process control and support operator decision-making. The research project behind the guidebook is titled Data-Driven Fault Detection and Process Control for Potable Reuse with Reverse Osmosis and Membrane Bioreactors. Carollo said the guidebook was shaped by input from a Utility Advisory Board and an Independent Expert Panel representing utilities, researchers and consultants. The publication emphasises that AI adoption is not only a technical challenge. Data quality, governance, operator engagement, cybersecurity and organisational readiness are all presented as essential to successful implementation. Phased approach recommended. The guidebook recommends a phased implementation approach, allowing utilities to build confidence, validate model performance and reduce risk before wider deployment. This includes identifying high-value use cases, assessing available data, testing models in controlled environments and setting clear responsibilities for long-term monitoring and maintenance. Carollo said the resource is intended for utilities, researchers, regulators and water professionals looking to understand how AI and machine learning can be applied responsibly in potable reuse and related treatment applications. The guidebook is available to download from Carollo's website. FAQs. What is the AI & machine learning guidebook for Potable Reuse? It is a free guidebook designed to help utilities evaluate, implement and maintain AI and machine learning tools in potable reuse systems. Who developed the guidebook? The guidebook was developed by Carollo Engineers, Yokogawa, the National Water Research Institute and Baylor University through U.S. Bureau of Reclamation-funded research. What topics does the guidebook cover? Is the guidebook only for potable reuse? Potable reuse is the main focus, but many of the principles also apply to conventional drinking water and wastewater treatment systems.

Tampa Water Department advances cutting edge technology. 06/29/2026 Tampa Water Department advances groundbreaking technology. The Tampa Water Department is taking a major step forward in its efforts to enhance drinking water quality, as new testing confirms the effectiveness of its innovative Suspended Ion Exchange (SIX) treatment technology in reducing PFAS, commonly known as "forever chemicals." Recent testing conducted by an independent consultant evaluated SIX's ability to remove PFAS from raw water at the David L. Tippin Water Treatment Facility. Results showed that the SIX system removed approximately 30% of PFAS compounds found in its water source. While this technology was initially chosen to help remove naturally occurring organic matter, testing confirmed its ability to remove PFAS as well. By removing both organic matter and PFAS early in the treatment process, SIX delivers multiple water quality benefits through a single treatment technology. SIX will not only allow other treatment processes work more effectively, but it will also position the Tampa Water Department to meet future drinking water regulations. In addition to improving water quality, SIX is expected to lower both future construction and operating costs. By helping the rest of the treatment system work more efficiently, SIX reduces the scale of treatment improvements needed at the plant. Studies conducted during project planning found that using SIX could save more than $80 million in future facility improvement costs compared to other treatment options. The technology will also significantly reduce ongoing treatment costs. During a 10-month pilot program, SIX demonstrated the ability to eliminate the need for some treatment chemicals while substantially reducing the use of others, resulting in projected annual savings of approximately $2 million. The latest test results come as the Tampa City Council has approved moving forward with the design phase of the SIX facility. The Tampa Water Department is partnering with the Tippin Water Team (Carollo Engineers, Garney Construction, Wharton Smith, Inc., and PWNT Technologies) to design and construct the new facility, with completion expected in 2032. Once operational, the SIX facility will be the first of its kind in North America and the largest SIX installation in the world, positioning Tampa as a global leader in advanced water treatment innovation.

New facility will add 10 MGD of treated water capacity and strengthen long-term water reliability for western Placer County. Release Date: June 16, 2026 AUBURN, Calif., June 16, 2026 - Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) has selected Carollo Engineers to provide construction management and SCADA programming services for the new Ophir Water Treatment Plant (WTP), a major infrastructure investment designed to meet growing regional demand and enhance system reliability. The project represents a long-planned expansion of treated water capacity as PCWA's current facilities approach peak operational capacity during high-demand summer periods. PCWA is the largest water service provider in Placer County, delivering treated water to approximately 192,000 people and supplying wholesale water to neighboring agencies. The Ophir WTP will initially add 10 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water capacity, enough to serve 10,000 families, as the first phase of a multi-stage program allowing PCWA to scale the facility over time. Situated on a 22-acre site along Ophir Road in Auburn, California, the project will provide a critical new supply source while supporting long-term planning for communities across western Placer County. The Ophir site is master-planned to ultimately support up to 30 MGD of treatment capacity, offering a scalable and resilient solution to meet long-term regional water needs. The total estimated construction cost of the Ophir WTP Phase 1 is approximately $210 million. "This is a long-term investment that's been planned for decades," said PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko. "The project is structured so growth pays for growth, with water connection charges funding the capacity needed for new customers. An added benefit is that it also improves reliability and resilience for the customers we already serve." The new facility will relieve capacity constraints at PCWA's Foothill Water Treatment Plant, the agency's largest facility, which currently operates near its limits during high-demand summer months. Once operational, the Ophir WTP will enhance system flexibility and provide critical redundancy across the regional water network. The facility will also allow PCWA to extend its annual construction and maintenance window by roughly two months, enabling essential upgrades and rehabilitation work at the Foothill Water Treatment Plant during lower-demand periods. Carollo will manage schedule and cost tracking, inspection, documentation, and project coordination during the plant's initial phase, with work completed in line with project specifications, safety standards, and quality requirements. In addition to construction management services, Carollo will perform SCADA programming for the project. "We are honored to support PCWA in delivering this transformational project," said Carollo Principal-in-Charge Keith Corcoran. "The Ophir Water Treatment Plant will deliver a resilient, reliable water supply for the community while reinforcing the region's critical water infrastructure for generations to come." Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2026, with the facility expected to be operational by 2030. For project updates and additional information, visit www.pcwa.net. Media Contact: Cameron McWilliam Senior Public Relations Manager // Carollo [email protected]