Project Description

The City is upgrading its wastewater treatment processes to limit the discharge of nutrients to the Bay in compliance with new regulatory requirements. The improvements will also accommodate future increased flows as Hayward’s population increases. 

The Bay, like all bodies of water, is comprised of nutrients that must remain balanced to maintain the health of the ecosystem. In recent years, however, certain nutrients like nitrogen have reached excessive levels, prompting concern about environmentally-harmful events like algae blooms. New regulations from the Regional Water Quality Control Board issued on July 10, 2024 require removal of 40% of nutrients by the year 2034 compared to 2022 levels. The City has begun design of improvements to comply with these new regulations that will enhance the treatment process and further protect the Bay. 

The project consists of 2 main packages. The first package is the construction of a new Administration and laboratory building. As of June 2024, Design of this package is nearly complete, with construction slated to begin in early 2025 and run through 2027.

The second package consists of the new nutrient removal system and other plant facilities. This package includes new nutrient removal basins, a new chemical facility, a new electrical and blower building, a third final clarifier, relocation of the existing 3 million gallon flow equalization facility, a new grit facility, structural rehabilitation of the two existing final clarifiers, expansion of the onsite recycled water system, new pumping improvements, and other supporting facilities.