R.B Simms Water Treatment Plant

Ardurra served as part of the design-build team implementing $30 million in comprehensive improvements at the 64-MGD R.B. Simms Water Treatment Plant for Spartanburg Water System (SWS), transforming a facility originally constructed in 1926 into a modern, efficient treatment operation. The extensive upgrade program enhanced operational reliability and flexibility, increased capacity, and ensured future regulatory compliance for this critical water supply serving most of the Spartanburg service area.

The improvements included structural and mechanical rehabilitation of sedimentation and flocculation basins, installation of a new decant pump station, reduction of washdown water conveyed to thickeners, and construction of a new 2.5-million-gallon clearwell with cell curtains to reduce short-circuiting. A new high-service pump station featuring four pumps rated for 22 MGD at 304-foot TDH provides continuous flow capability from 11 MGD to 64 MGD, utilizing variable-frequency drives.

Key Project Achievements:

• Implemented $30 million comprehensive improvements at the 64-MGD facility originally constructed in 1926, serving most of the Spartanburg service area

• Enhanced operational reliability and flexibility through structural rehabilitation of sedimentation/flocculation basins and a new decant pump station

• Constructed a new 2.5-million-gallon clearwell with cell curtains, reducing short circuiting and improving chlorine contact time compliance

• Installed high service pump station with vertical turbine pumps in steel cans providing 11-64 MGD continuous flow capability with VFDs

• Conducted a CT study certifying chlorine contact time across three sedimentation trains and multiple piping routes

• Implemented hydraulic modeling and surge protection, including surge relief valve installation, protecting existing high service lines

• Replaced raw water intake systems and installed efficient filter backwash pumps with a new post-mix basin for chemical injection

The project earned dual prestigious recognition with the 2013 Carolinas Associated General Contractors Pinnacle Award for "Best Utility Project" and the 2014 Design-Build Institute of America Southeast Project of the Year. The improvements provide Spartanburg with enhanced treatment capacity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency, supporting continued community growth.