Kennedy Jenks (KJ) is proud to announce that the West Lake Tahoe Regional Water Treatment Plant (WLTRWTP) has earned an Honor Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of California 2026 Engineering Excellence Awards. This distinction highlights the project’s cutting-edge engineering solutions and its role in safeguarding Lake Tahoe’s water resources.
The WLTRWTP introduces a permanent, drought-resilient water supply system for more than 2400 customers and millions of annual visitors. Designed to draw directly from Lake Tahoe, the facility integrates advanced treatment technologies to deliver consistently safe, high-quality drinking water year-round.
Technical Innovations Driving Excellence
The plant incorporates ultrafiltration membranes and ultraviolet disinfection to achieve superior water quality while minimizing environmental impact. Its compact, predominantly underground design preserves the region’s scenic character. Key engineering features include:
- Submersible Lake Intake System: Ensures reliable raw water access with minimal ecological disturbance.
- Booster Pump Station: Maintains optimal pressure for distribution across varying elevations.
- Water Recovery Loop: Captures and reuses backwash water, reducing waste and supporting resource conservation.
Kennedy Jenks managed every phase, from environmental documentation and permitting to detailed design and construction oversight, while navigating challenges such as wildfire evacuations, record snowfall, and pandemic-related supply chain delays.
Thank You Tahoe City Public Utility District
Our thanks go to the Tahoe City Public Utility District (TCPUD) for their guidance and partnership on this project. We’re grateful for the collaboration that made this project possible.
ACEC California Engineering Excellence Awards
The American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) California represents thousands of private engineering and land surveying firms committed to advancing consulting engineering. The ACEC CA Engineering Excellence Awards honor projects that exemplify innovation, technical complexity, and societal value.
About Tahoe City Public Utility District
The Tahoe City Public Utility District provides water, sewer, parks, and recreation services within its service area. The District’s boundaries lie within Placer and El Dorado Counties, extending from Emerald Bay to Dollar Hill and along the Truckee River to the Nevada County line. For additional information, see their website at Tahoe City Public Utility District.
About Kennedy Jenks
Kennedy Jenks is a leading water and environmental engineering and environmental sciences firm that serves public agencies and private-sector clients with over 525 employees nationwide. The employee-owned firm delivers innovative design, construction, and technology solutions for water and environmental projects across the United States.
Media Contact
For more information about Kennedy Jenks, please contact media@kennedyjenks.com.
The information on this page was accurate at the time of publication.
