Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project

CEI performed electrical, controls and infrastructure upgrades for the Rinconada Water Treatment Plant Reliability Improvement Project in Los Gatos, California. Originally constructed in 1967, the facility serves as a primary potable water source for the region. Upon completion, the plant increased its treatment capacity from 80 million gallons per day to 100 million gallons per day.

CEI’s scope included work across 25 areas and buildings, including demolition and decommissioning of existing systems, modifications to process and electrical infrastructure and upgrades to chemical treatment systems. The project also involved construction and commissioning of new facilities, including process buildings and support systems, along with integration into the plant’s supervisory control and data acquisition system to enhance monitoring and control capabilities.

The project required careful coordination due to the plant’s continuous 24/7 operations. Work was performed under strict shutdown limitations, with invasive activities scheduled during reduced-capacity operations to minimize disruption. Through detailed planning and coordination with subcontractors, CEI successfully executed multiple shutdown phases while maintaining ongoing plant functionality.

The scope also included installation of new electrical distribution equipment, process controls systems, instrumentation and special systems such as fire alarm, security and communications. The project was scheduled for completion in April 2029 and significantly improved system reliability, operational flexibility and long-term performance.