The Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is a cornerstone of the City of Canton’s water infrastructure, serving more than 50,000 residents—representing half of the Water Department’s customer base. Drawing water exclusively from one of Ohio’s most productive buried valley glacial aquifers, supplemented by multiple storage reservoirs, the Sugar Creek WTP ensures a reliable and resilient supply of clean water. Originally constructed in 1962, the plant had not undergone a comprehensive renovation until this project.
Burgess & Niple was selected by the City to design extensive renovations which included site, process, architectural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical and instrumentation and control improvements. The building’s distinctive mid-century style was preserved through features such as mosaic art in the lobby and terrazzo flooring, while new curtainwall windows and energy-efficient window systems replaced outdated glass blocks to modernize the space. One of the most significant project challenges was keeping this essential facility operational throughout the three-year construction period, which was achieved through careful planning, regular project team collaboration and sequencing work to maintain consistent water output and minimize outages.
Advanced Redundancy for Continuous Operation
A cornerstone of the renovation was the implementation of advanced system redundancies, particularly in the wellfield’s raw water supply. The engineering team renewed and duplicated the underground raw water main and installed strategically placed valves and interconnections. This design allows portions of the wellfield to be taken offline for maintenance, safeguarding operational reliability. Additionally, overhead electrical lines, previously susceptible to storm-related outages, were replaced with underground wiring. The rewiring enabled selective isolation of wells and pumps, ensuring that maintenance activities do not compromise overall system performance.
Process Optimization Through Smart Technology
The project also introduced innovative process optimization and energy reduction measures. Intelligent backwash sensors integrated with SCADA and an air-scour feature to optimize filter cleaning. Comprehensive energy audits led to the installation of energy-efficient windows, skylights and upgraded HVAC systems, alongside the addition of multiple variable frequency drives and modern switchgear. Together, these innovations reduce operational power costs, conserve resources and help the City achieve its sustainability objectives while maintaining reliable water treatment operations.
Comprehensive Improvements for Long-Term Results
The successful completion of this $37 million renovation, delivered ahead of schedule and on budget, marks a significant investment in Canton’s public water infrastructure. The project’s innovative solutions and commitment to operational continuity have yielded lasting benefits for the community, reinforcing public confidence in the City’s ability to supply high-quality drinking water. Through these advancements, Canton exemplifies leadership in water resource management and a steadfast dedication to public health and environmental stewardship.
Honors & Awards
The Sugar Creek Water Treatment Plant received a 2026 Outstanding Achievement Engineering Excellence Award from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio.