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New Headworks Facility Is Built to Sift and Made to Last

Jignesh Desai, Headworks Project Manager, highlighted the grit pump gallery in Area 45, during a recent tour with SFPUC Commission President Kate Stacy. The clear view window shows the grit particles that are being pumped to next step of grit washing process.
  • Derek Keeley

Bathroom wipes, cleaning rags, and all the other mystery items people shouldn’t flush are now getting caught faster at the Southeast Treatment Plant. It’s all thanks to the new Headworks Facility, which is making the plant more efficient, reliable, and resilient—and keeping everything flowing in the right direction.  

Completed in summer 2024, the new headworks is the crucial first step in the wastewater treatment process that sifts through anything and everything that goes down the drain. Bars and screens remove the largest solids (for example, tree branches or even tires) as well as the smallest particles like sand and other gritty solids. Keeping grit out is important, as it can prematurely degrade pumps and other downstream equipment.  

By implementing advanced debris screening, grit removal and handling technologies, this innovative facility allows the plant to achieve 95% efficiency in capturing fine grit particles greater than or equal to 105 microns—a 45% improvement over the previous system!  In short, the new headworks is removing more solids, reducing water content in removed grit, and extending the life of our critical infrastructure.

“One of the most transformative upgrades at the new Headworks Facility is our advanced debris and grit removal system,” said Victor Shih, Project Engineer in Infrastructure. “We’re observing a big jump in efficient grit and trash removal, along with a significant reduction in odors and off-haul costs. This not only reduces wear and tear on downstream equipment, but it also translates into real cost savings for ratepayers.”

Here are some other features of the new facility:

  • Improved long-term reliability and reduced maintenance costs, saving ratepayer dollars.  
  • A single modernized facility that replaced and consolidated two outdated headworks facilities.
  • Enhanced facility resilience to withstand up to 36-inch sea level rise by 2100.  
  • Seismic upgrades reinforcing the facility to withstand a magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurring on the San Andreas Fault.  

Resilient Infrastructure 

By consolidating two aging headworks building into a single, modernized facility, the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) streamlined wastewater operations at the Southeast Treatment Plant with resiliency in mind.

The new Headworks Facility is the crucial first step in the wastewater treatment process that sifts through anything and everything that goes down the drain.

“Resilience was a core design principle. These features were designed to ensure that the facility can withstand significant sea leave rise and resume operations within 72 hours of a major earthquake to continue serving San Francisco reliably in the face of climate and seismic challenges,” said Project Manager Mazin Hijazi.  

New Headworks Earning Awards

In recognition of its sustainable design, the Headworks Facility received an Envision Gold Award from the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure underscoring the SFPUC’s commitment to environmental stewardship.  

“This award is more than just recognition for sustainability—it’s a validation that the facility is designed to work better,” said Project Construction Manager Jim Wang. “The award highlights the facility’s improved operational efficiency, enhanced environmental performance and its strengthened resilience. It’s a clear signal that the SFPUC is building smarter, more effective systems to serve San Francisco for generations to come.”

In addition, the New Headworks Project was honored last month with the project excellence award from the Water Environment Federation for its innovative engineering and environmental leadership. This accolade highlights the SFPUC's dedication to advancing sustainable water infrastructure and exemplifies its commitment to protecting public health and the environment.

With the new headworks now fully operational, the SFPUC has taken a major step toward building a more efficient, resilient and community-conscious Southeast Treatment Plant.

This is the second article in our series about the new Headworks Facility and how it helps Southeast Treatment Plant look better, work better, and smell better. Check out the previous story about how the SFPUC engaged local San Francisco artists to enhance the facility’s appearance.