Electrical Contractor Provides Upgrades to $267M Water Plant Project in Northern California

ORINDA, Calif. (November 24, 2025) — Helix Electric, a leading electrical contracting company, installed a prefabricated electrical building at the Orinda Water Treatment Plant (WTP) on Sept. 30, that will provide cleaner drinking water to more than 800,000 East Bay residents in both Contra Costa and Alameda counties. This installation supports East Bay Municipal Utility District’s $267 million project to reduce disinfection byproducts in the water supply.

After two years of meticulous planning, Helix Electric used seven trucks to deliver the largest prefabricated building in the California company’s history, executing a tightly coordinated sequence over 48 hours. This building plays a crucial role in supporting the project, which integrates new ultraviolet disinfection and chlorine contact basin technology, enhancing water quality and reliability, powered by Helix Electric’s electrical expertise.

“Helix’s involvement in the Orinda Water Treatment Plant project highlights our expertise in delivering essential electrical infrastructure, a testament to our ability to provide tailored solutions that support water treatment processes,” said Mat Puckett, Operations Manager at Helix Electric, Inc. “Our team precisely designed, managed the build and executed the delivery of the prefabricated building, which is crucial for enhancing the resiliency of the plant’s innovative systems. By equipping the facility with state-of-the-art electrical systems, we ensure the community receives high-quality, reliable water for many years to come.”

The disinfection process upgrades are critical as warming temperatures, increasing wildfires, and larger storms have increased organic matter at the Orinda WTP’s water source. During the water treatment process, this organic matter makes contact with chlorine, allowing disinfection byproducts to form. By implementing the new technology, the system can minimize chlorine use in the process and, in return, reduce these byproducts.

“This project is not just about infrastructure; it’s about ensuring the community benefits from a reliable and efficient water system,” said Jason Pengel, Executive Vice President at Helix Electric, Inc. “Our commitment is to provide sustainable infrastructure that meets modern demands and prepares the plant to withstand future challenges. We are honored to partner with EBMUD and Flatiron Construction to deliver long-term benefits for the community.”

The California-based company was recently recognized as the 2025 ENR West’s Specialty Contractor of the Year, reflecting its commitment to delivering large-scale, complex electrical projects across the region.

For more information about Helix Electric’s projects visit: https://www.helixelectric.com/.