EchoWater RAS & EchoWater CAB

Initiated in response to updated National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit requirements from the California State Water Resources Control Board, the EchoWater Project aims to reduce ammonia, nitrates, and other nutrients in treated wastewater. Beyond regulatory compliance, the project enhances the plant’s treatment capacity, operational resilience, and water reuse capabilities.

The RAS and CAB components reflect this vision through their focus on sustainable design, cutting-edge technology, and centralized process control. These investments ensure long-term environmental stewardship and operational excellence across one of the West Coast’s largest wastewater treatment facilities.

RAS Improvements

• Enhanced Return Activated Sludge pumping systems for reliable biological nutrient removal
• Improved flow control, mixing, and sludge recycling
• New piping, valves, and automated instrumentation integrated into SCADA
• High-efficiency pumps yielding energy savings
• Supports Title 22 nutrient removal regulations

Control and Administration Building (CAB)

• Centralized operations, engineering, and lab building
• Real-time SCADA systems for full plant monitoring
• Regulatory lab space and analytical facilities
• LEED Gold-certified design with daylighting and solar shading
• Public-facing and secure staff areas with training spaces

Located in Elk Grove, the SRWTP is the backbone of wastewater treatment for the Sacramento region. With the completion of the EchoWater Project, the facility has evolved into a hub for resource recovery, nutrient management, and water recycling.

The RAS improvements are critical to achieving biological nutrient removal, while the CAB serves as the brain of the plant—coordinating operations and ensuring regulatory compliance. Both assets integrate seamlessly into the broader EchoWater system.

• 2015–2017– Planning, design development, and CEQA environmental review
• 2018– Groundbreaking for RAS and CAB components
• 2019–2021– Vertical construction and system integration
• 2022– Final commissioning and integration into SRWTP operations

The CAB’s LEED Gold certification highlights the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility, with features such as energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart lighting, low-emission materials, and water-saving fixtures. The RAS Improvements implemented high-efficiency pumps and automated controls, contributing to significant energy and operational savings.

Both systems are connected through a robust SCADA network, enabling smart analytics, predictive maintenance, and coordinated performance monitoring across the plant.

The EchoWater RAS and CAB projects are critical to maintaining water quality, safeguarding public health, and promoting sustainable growth across the Sacramento region. By meeting environmental regulations and expanding capacity for water recycling, the project secures long-term operational stability and economic viability.

These efforts also bolster climate resilience by preparing the wastewater infrastructure for future environmental and population pressures, positioning Sacramento as a leader in progressive water management.