Advancing water security and stream health in Utah
Known for its mountain views, ski slopes and mining history, Park City, Utah, now boasts a new attraction: a state-of-the-art water treatment plant that embodies a OneWater approach. Integrating net-zero design concepts, iconic architecture and dual-purpose water treatment, the 3Kings Water Treatment Plant is redefining how communities approach water infrastructure.
Completed at a cost of approximately $82 million, the 3Kings Water Treatment Plant (WTP) treats up to 7.2 million gallons per day from two abandoned mine drainage tunnels and one spring — supplying more than 40% of Park City’s drinking water.
The facility is unique for its dual-purpose water treatment approach: providing a safe reliable drinking water supply while also protecting local streams.
In 2015, Park City entered a stipulated compliance order with the Utah Division of Water Quality to treat water from the Judge and Spiro mine tunnels, which were contaminating local streams. The discharges exceeded water quality parameters and contained toxic metals, including antimony and thallium.
In response, Park City looked for a solution that could simultaneously treat water for drinking and stream discharges purposes in a single facility. The city contracted Jacobs to provide benchtop evaluation, pilot testing, design and construction-phase services. This innovative approach required removing specific metals using advanced treatment methods rarely seen in municipal systems, such as granular media filtration with pyrolusite media and titanium dioxide adsorption.
Replacing an existing aging water treatment facility, the new 3Kings WTP meets both public health and environmental goals with reliable, efficient performance.
Approximate construction cost of the 3Kings WTP
Gallons per day of water treated, including from two mine tunnels and one natural spring
Number of metals targeted for removal throughout the treatment process (arsenic, cadmium, lead, zinc, antimony, thallium, iron and manganese)
Forward-thinking design
Built on a tight site of less than three acres between two golf course holes, the facility features a compact, multi-story design that honors the town’s mining history. The architecture blends with the surrounding landscape — critical for public acceptance given its high-visibility location.
Energy efficiency was central to the design. The facility incorporates micro-hydro power generation, solar power and uses source water for building heating and cooling. The treatment approaches and renewable energy solutions contribute to a net-zero design, producing more energy than the facility uses for heating, cooling and lighting.
The project was delivered on an accelerated schedule to meet state drinking water standards and permit requirements for stream discharge. A Construction Manager/General Contractor (CMGC) approach allowed early sitework and equipment procurement — saving valuable time. A digital twin was also developed to speed up commissioning and operator training.
Funded locally by a small community of only 5,500 customers, the 3Kings WTP highlights the importance of innovative solutions to complex water challenges and rethinks the way we integrate water treatment plants into our communities.
