Wastewater management is crucial to California’s environmental sustainability, and the companies at the forefront of this industry are paving the way for a cleaner, healthier future. For civil engineers passionate about making a tangible impact, the opportunities in wastewater engineering are endless—and California is home to some of the best firms in the nation.
In this article, we’re spotlighting three of the top wastewater engineering companies in California. These firms are not only leading groundbreaking projects but also offering incredible career prospects for engineers looking to contribute to transformative infrastructure solutions. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career, these companies represent the best of what the wastewater engineering industry has to offer.
Let’s dive into the top three wastewater engineering firms shaping California’s future.
Top Three Wastewater Engineering Companies in California
1. Coleman Engineering
Based out of Roseville, California, Coleman Engineering is a wastewater utility firm with a tight-knit team of dedicated civil engineers. Their expertise spans across California, Nevada, Idaho, and Utah, providing a range of services including planning for water and recycled water systems, wastewater utility systems design, bidding support, construction observation, and compliance monitoring. Coleman Engineering may be smaller in size, with a workforce of 11–50 employees, but its impact on the wastewater industry is anything but small. Their reach and expertise allow them to handle significant projects while maintaining a close, collaborative team environment.
Some of the firm’s most notable projects include the Brentwood WWTP Effluent Diversion Structure and the River Islands Recycled Water System. Coleman Engineering has worked with a variety of high-profile clients, including the City of Fairfield, Tuolumne City Sanitary District, and Shadow Lakes Golf Course.
2. Mead & Hunt
Founded in 1900, Mead & Hunt has grown into a multidisciplinary powerhouse with offices nationwide, including three locations in California—Ontario, Sacramento, and Windsor. This well-established firm is known for embracing innovation and growth while maintaining a strong presence in the wastewater engineering industry. While Mead & Hunt is a larger company, with over 40 active offices, it prides itself on empowering employees to take charge of their career growth. The firm provides extensive support and training, ensuring that engineers are well-equipped to succeed and contribute to meaningful projects.
As part of their environmental and sustainability divisions, Mead & Hunt have worked on many wastewater engineering and water quality projects, including the South Central Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion and the Jeff Davis Water Treatment Plant. Their clients range from the Minnesota Department of Transportation, Aspen-Pitkin County Airport, to the Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency (SAFCA).
Awards & Recognitions
Mead & Hunt’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Best of State award from ACEC-Wisconsin for the Little Falls Dam Reconstruction project at Willow River State Park and the ACEC-WA Engineering Excellence award for the Fish Passage and Culvert Design project in Rosyln, Washington.
3. Peterson Brustad, Inc
Peterson Brustad, Inc (PBI) is a specialized water supply and wastewater engineering firm located in Folsom, California. Founded in 2005, PBI is a midsized firm with a team of 11–50 employees, committed to delivering sustainable water solutions across the state. Recently, PBI was acquired by Verdantas, a private-equity-backed firm specializing in environmental consulting, sustainable engineering, modeling, and digital technology. This acquisition strengthens PBI’s ability to provide cutting-edge solutions while remaining dedicated to its mission of identifying and maintaining adequate water supplies for California’s communities.
PBI has played a critical role in numerous water supply and wastewater management projects across California, including the Arden Water System, the Jenny Lind Water Treatment Plant Expansion, and the Larkfield Water Treatment Plant Expansion. The company has built strong relationships with clients like California American Water, the City of Folsom, and the San Joaquin Area Flood Control Agency (SJAFCA).
Find Your Next Role in Wastewater Engineering with Certis Solutions
Wastewater engineering in California offers the chance to work on projects that are both challenging and rewarding. If you’re looking for your next opportunity in this field, Certis Solutions can help you find a role that perfectly suits your skills and career goals. Contact our team today to explore current opportunities and start making a difference in wastewater management.
