Date
Monday, July 28, 2025
Time
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM
Location Name
Room 301B
Name
Mission: Build the Most Sustainable Water Treatment Plant in the World
Track
Sustainability
Description
Metro Water Services (MWS) in Nashville, TN provides drinking water to over 700,000 people in and around Nashville through two 90 million gallons per day (mgd) water treatment plants (WTP). One of these plants, the Omohundro WTP, was originally constructed in phases between 1888 – 1939 and was last expanded in 1968. Omohundro has faithfully served Nashville for over a hundred years, and now Metro Water has committed to rebuilding Omohundro for the 21st Century. The current upgrade project will expand the plant’s capacity from 90mgd to 150mgd, and includes constructing new pumping, pretreatment, and filter facilities, and adding post-filter GAC contactors to address contaminants of emerging concern including PFAS. This project is more than just a renovation; it's a commitment to sustainability and a vision for the future of water treatment. MWS is a leader sustainability with its innovative Energy Management program that saves rate payers $3M annually, goal to install 20MW of solar PV, and building the first Net-Zero Energy building in Nashville. This project is no different. MWS has tasked the project team to build a “legacy” project that will restore and preserve the site for generations to come. MWS is setting a new benchmark for environmental excellence in the water industry by achieving both LEED and Envision Platinum certifications. If successful, Omohundro would be the first water or wastewater treatment plant in the world with both certifications. The project incorporates a wide range of sustainable initiatives, including retrofitting the existing historic filter building to add advanced treatment, significant solar power integration, low-carbon construction materials, a complete habitat restoration of the campus, and diverting 95% of construction waste from the landfill. This presentation will review the Omohundro Process Advancement Project, describe the elements that are tied to the project’s sustainability goals, and delve into the specific strategies and innovations that are driving Omohundro's sustainability goals. We will discuss the challenges and opportunities faced during the project, such as overcoming organizational momentum and working with local industry to improve their sustainable offering, and share lessons learned that can be applied to other water infrastructure projects. Join us to explore how MWS is shaping a more sustainable and resilient future for Nashville and beyond.