Baker Water

Frequently Asked Questions About Water and
Wastewater Infrastructure

Is Baker Water a general contractor?
Baker Water is the prime contractor water and wastewater division of Baker Construction, serving public and private clients across the United States. Our projects include water treatment plants, pump and lift stations, storage tanks, flow equalization, combined sewage overflow, and biosolids facilities. As a general contractor, design-builder, or construction manager at-risk (CM@R), Baker Water brings the right approach across the project lifecycle, from early planning through construction, commissioning, and startup.

Can Baker Water perform upgrades at an operating water or wastewater treatment plant?
Yes. Baker Water performs brownfield expansions, upgrades, and additions within operating facilities. Our teams work with owners, plant operators, and designers to develop sequencing and maintenance-of-plant-operations plans that allow construction to proceed while critical treatment processes remain operational. Depending on the project, this can include temporary facilities, bypasses, phased construction, and other measures designed to minimize disruption to ongoing operations.

What water and wastewater plant work does Baker Water self-perform?
Baker Water self-performs critical scopes including structural excavation, structural concrete, process piping and equipment installation, yard piping, and commissioning and start-up. Self-performing key work reduces handoffs and dependencies while giving our teams greater control over safety, quality, schedule, and execution.

How does Baker Water manage schedule risk and long-lead equipment?
Schedule and procurement planning begin early, with teams evaluating equipment lead times, installation requirements, commissioning activities, site logistics, and construction sequencing. Long-lead and price-sensitive materials can be identified and secured early, while procurement and just-in-time deliveries are coordinated around project conditions. Self-performing critical scopes and managing subcontracted packages also gives Baker Water greater control over the pace and sequence of construction.

Can Baker Water take a project through commissioning and start-up?
Yes. Baker Water provides commissioning and start-up support through turnover. Testing progresses from individual components to stand-alone systems and then integrated process systems to confirm the facility operates as intended. Before handover, teams can also conduct operational trials and provide hands-on training to prepare the owner’s personnel to operate the completed facility.

How does Baker Water work with engineering firms and technology vendors?
Baker Water works as a construction partner alongside owners, engineering firms, operators, equipment suppliers, and technology vendors. Early collaboration allows our teams to provide construction input on constructability, cost, schedule, logistics, sequencing, and means and methods while designers and technology partners maintain their respective areas of expertise. The goal is to integrate design, equipment, and construction requirements into an executable plan and carry that coordination through start-up.