South Jordan, Utah, Heralded for Innovative Solution to Water Challenges

Bluffdale, Utah—To address its long-term water supply needs, South Jordan, Utah, is being creative and its efforts are gaining nationwide attention.

The Engineering & Public Works Roadshow today delivered a national platform for Pure SoJo, an innovative water purification facility delivering recycled water that meets and exceeds drinking water standards, and removes so-called forever chemicals.

“This project has been many years in the making,” said South Jordan Mayor Dawn R. Ramsey. “Our entire region is balancing rapid growth with limited water resources. As one of the 10 Fastest Growing Cities in America, South Jordan is working to ensure we have a sustainable water supply for generations to come. We are proud of our ability to be innovative, work with all available partners, and find real and lasting solutions.”

The Engineering and Public Works Roadshow is the first time the leading organizations representing the designers and public operators of America’s infrastructure – the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC), the American Public Works Association (APWA), and the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) – have joined together to shine a spotlight on what successful infrastructure investment means for the nation’s economy, jobs, the environment, and our future.

“This project stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when vision, innovation, and community collaboration come together,” said Derek Clyburn, PE, and the senior vice chair of ACEC’s executive committee. “The Pure SOJO water project is a testament to the Power of Engineering; it’s a beacon of hope for sustainable water management in our communities.”

“South Jordan has collaborated with engineering consultants, the State Division of Drinking Water, the South Valley Sewer District, numerous agencies and experts about a common interest and a desire to solve the problem,” said APWA-Utah Chapter President Brian Romrell, PE. “And they have adopted an innovative water recycling pilot project to demonstrate sustainable, safe, and reliable water that could be used in the future.”

“The Pure Sojo project embodies the future that the engineering and public works communities are dedicated to providing for future generations: one that is sustainably focused and improves public health and safety, which will ultimately drive economic efficiency,” said K.N. Gunalan “Guna”, PhD, ASCE 2020 president. “This project is strengthening a community and allowing it to stand on its own two feet, demonstrating the true power of engineering.”

South Jordan is pursuing this water purification demonstration project to determine if water recycling can and should be part of its future water supply. Because the city’s underground aquifer is contaminated and will take 40 years to be cleaned, the city imports 100 percent of its water.

As the federal government continues to implement this monumental legislation, the second year of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will not be fully realized without an expanded and robust workforce. It is imperative that students nationwide are educated on the rewarding careers of civil engineering and public works so that these professions have the necessary staffing to complete transformative projects.

Other participants at today’s roadshow stop included Mike Mower, senior advisor of community outreach and intergovernmental affairs, Office of Utah Governor Spencer Cox; Jennifer Berig, PE, environmental scientist and state revolving fund coordinator, U.S. EPA; Nathan Lundstad, director, Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Drinking Water; Alan Domonoske, PE, VP, Carollo Engineers; Joel Thompson, GM, South Valley Sewer District; Jennifer Weidhaas, PhD, PE, associate professor, Civil And Environmental Engineering, University of Utah; Raymond Garrison, director, South Jordan Public Works Department; Heather Wadman, PE, CFM, principal engineer, Ogden City Engineering & APWA-Utah president-elect.