Garney Breaks Ground On City Of Savannah Infrastructure & Domestic Water Treatment Plant Improvements

Phase 1 marks Savannah’s first CMAR delivery in the water sector.

Garney has broken ground on Phase 1 of the City of Savannah Infrastructure & Domestic Water Treatment Plant Improvements project, launching a major investment in the City’s long-term water infrastructure. Delivered using the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) method, the project represents Savannah’s first CMAR project in the water sector. Once complete, Phase 1 will increase the plant’s treatment capacity from 58 million gallons per day (MGD) to 65 MGD.

“Phase 1 is increasing capacity for the immediate demand while also setting the foundation for the plant’s next phases,” said Nick Judd, Area Manager at Garney. “The CMAR delivery method increases schedule efficiency alongside our engineering partners to have a robust plan for the timing and components of the next phases. This project will meet the increasing demands of the region as they continue to grow while also maintaining water quality and consistency for decades to come.”

Originally built in 1947, the water treatment plant plays a critical role in serving the region. Phase 1 improvements are designed to increase capacity, reduce maintenance demands, and enhance water quality and operational reliability.

Phase 1 scope of work includes improvements to chemical feed systems, replacement of aging sludge collection equipment, and modifications to filter effluent systems to improve treatment efficiency and consistency. The project also includes the construction of a new 3-million-gallon prestressed concrete tank to increase head pressure on existing pumps, enabling greater effluent pumping capacity.

“Investments like this ensure Savannah residents and businesses continue to receive safe, high-quality drinking water as our community grows. This project reflects the City’s commitment to long-term water system reliability and responsible stewardship of our region’s water resources and critical public infrastructure,” said Ronald Feldner, Chief of Water Resources at the City of Savannah.

The improvements will support reliable service, regulatory compliance, and sustainable growth for the Savannah region while reinforcing the City’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and water quality.

Garney is working closely with the City and design engineers Hussey Gay Bell and Black & Veatch to deliver the project through early contractor involvement, risk management, and phased construction planning to minimize impacts on ongoing operations.

About Garney
Garney is the national leader in water and wastewater infrastructure. Since 1961, Garney has been committed to delivering clean, safe drinking water and protecting public health through essential water and wastewater systems. Garney specializes in self-performing construction services for water and wastewater pipelines, treatment facilities, pumping stations, water storage tanks, and industrial/heavy civil projects through conventional and collaborative delivery methods for municipal, federal, and private sector clients. As a 100% employee-owned company with 19 offices and 3,000 employee-owners nationwide, Garney is committed to advancing the future of water and wastewater infrastructure. At the core of Garney’s work is its guiding purpose: Building Sustainable Futures with the World’s Most Precious Resources – Water & People.