Sunnyvale Water Pollution Control Facility

The City of Sunnyvale’s Headworks and Primary Treatment Project is a major achievement in water resource management and environmental stewardship. Initiated in 2013 as part of the Cleanwater Program, this project replaced outdated and seismically vulnerable infrastructure with modern, energy efficient systems at the Water Pollution Control Plant. The team integrated advanced screening, grit removal, and odor control technologies, which improved treatment performance, reliability, and compliance with environmental regulations. The project overcame significant site constraints and technical challenges while maintaining uninterrupted plant operations. It delivered important benefits to the community and environment, including habitat restoration and improved air quality. The project was completed through collaborative teamwork, careful planning, and innovative engineering. As the first major accomplishment of the Cleanwater Program, it demonstrates Sunnyvale’s commitment to sustainable utility operations and long-term resilience for future regulatory and population needs.