Skip to Main Content
CDM Smith logo
CDM Smith Site Logo

Managing a complex operating and regulatory environment

Construction site at water reclamation facility with excavator and worker shoveling dirt.
Two construction workers in hard hats and safety vests reviewing a document on a table with tools and equipment.
Two workers in safety vests walk through an industrial facility with large blue machinery and pipes.

Managing a complex operating and regulatory environment

Optimizing performance, building resilience and finding cost-effective solutions have been the hallmark of our wastewater practice for decades. How can we help you solve your greatest challenges?

Driving reliability and resilience

To help ease utilities’ financial constraints, we develop solutions that most effectively
recover water, energy and nutrients.

Charting a future in
biosolids management

As a leader in biosolids, CDM Smith has delivered over 300 projects focused on treatment, disposal and beneficial use.

PFAS in wastewater
proficiency

Our expertise spans PFAS transport, treatment and removal through WWTPs, as
well as the impacts of PFAS on biosolids.

Investing in innovation

CDM Smith invests in emerging water treatment innovation through disruptive technology and a cutting-edge R&D program.

How should WWTPs manage PFAS in wastewater and biosolids?

Environmental engineer Eric Spargimino explains what this challenge means for wastewater treatment plants. Eric has 15 years of experience in his field, and recently partnered with WEF, NACWA and NEBRA to conduct an in-depth survey of PFAS affected facilities.

 
Video thumbnail

Featured wastewater projects

Tomorrow’s wastewater facilities need to do more with every dollar, every asset and every resource. We help utilities improve performance today while preparing for what comes next.

View all wastewater projects
Aerial view of an organics to energy plant surrounded by trees.
Aerial view of an organics to energy plant surrounded by trees.
North Andover, Massachusetts

From organic waste to energy independence  

A Massachusetts utility has achieved energy independence by converting food waste and biosolids into renewable power, driving cost savings and environmental benefits. 

View Project
Workers inspect machinery and pipes inside an industrial biogas facility.
Workers inspect machinery and pipes inside an industrial biogas facility.
Des Moines, Iowa

Maximizing biogas benefits in Des Moines

Des Moines Wastewater Reclamation Authority (WRA) turned surplus biogas into a renewable energy revenue stream with CDM Smith’s help, producing pipeline-quality renewable natural gas (RNG).

View Project
Industrial water treatment facility with frothy liquid and clear blue sky.
Industrial water treatment facility with frothy liquid and clear blue sky.
Caldwell, Idaho

Meeting zero liquid discharge goals for a potato processing powerhouse

A zero liquid discharge system now treats 2.3 million gallons daily at the J.R. Simplot Company, returning water to EPA standards for food production reuse.

View Project
water treatment plant with pedestrians in foreground and mountains in the background
water treatment plant with pedestrians in foreground and mountains in the background
Sunnyvale, CA

Innovation and clean water for Silicon Valley 

As program manager of the $900M Cleanwater Program, CDM Smith is helping Sunnyvale achieve environmental stewardship, technology implementation and community, financial and political support.

View Project
A person smiling, wearing a gray blazer over a blue shirt, standing outdoors with blurred greenery in the background.

Our goal is to optimize existing facilities and employ innovative strategies for cost-effective solutions.

Alex Doody, PE, LEED AP

Wastewater Practice Leader

Alex leads complex water reclamation and treatment projects nationwide, specializing in biological nutrient removal, resource recovery and process optimization for sustainable facility design.

Abstract digital network with glowing blue and green nodes and lines.
On-demand webinar

PFAS in wastewater and biosolids: how water utilities can start breaking the cycle

For water resource recovery facilities looking for direction on how they can prepare and best protect their communities from potentially hazardous PFAS, watch this 1- hour webinar.

Launch Webinar

Related practices

View All Practices
Flowing water in a brightly lit industrial channel with orange railings and overhead lights.

Conveyance

Whether you’re concerned about keeping existing water conveyance assets healthy or building new ones, we’re here to help you find the answers you need.
Multiple water treatment pools under a clear blue sky.

Water Reuse

Water reuse is the future of water supply. CDM Smith is committed to strengthening water supply portfolios where they are most needed today and will be tomorrow.
Water splash among spring grass with sunlight in background.

One Water

CDM Smith has been a leader in One Water for more than two decades, developing integrated water resources strategies and advancing projects that enhance our communities and protect the natural World. 
Aerial view of a city skyline with tall buildings surrounded by water and bridges, under a cloudy sky.

Water Resources Infrastructure and Resiliency

Forward-thinking water resources planning, design construction and operations means making smarter investments that lower life-cycle costs and provide multiple benefits. 
Modern houses with solar panels by a canal under a bright sky.

Climate Resilience

We can no longer rely on the past to prepare for the future. Our teams work across water, transportation, environment and infrastructure to implement right-size solutions backed by climate science.

Ready to take the next steps?

We love collaborating with passionate individuals and organizations. If you want to talk about potential projects, reach out to our experts. If you're interested in joining our team, check our careers page for open positions or internships.

Talk to an ExpertExplore Careers
CDM Smith logo

Let’s Build Something Together

Have a project in mind or want to stay in the loop? Reach out to our team or subscribe to get the latest updates from our work.
Contact UsSubscribe

World Headquarters

75 State Street
Suite 701
Boston, MA 02109 USA
What We Do
  • Markets
  • Practices
  • Priorities
  • Projects
  • Innovation and Technologies
Who We Are
  • About Us
  • Careers
  • Cultural Threads Blog
  • Find Us
  • News
Resources
  • Insights
  • Subcontracting
  • Webinars
  • Legal & Terms of Use
  • Privacy Statement
  • Accommodation Request
  • California Privacy Rights
  • Contract Vehicles
CDM Smith™ | CDM™ | WILBUR SMITH™
© 2026 CDM Smith. All rights reserved.