SAWS (San Antonio Water System) Dos Rios Desalination Project CPM Scheduling

Overview:

We proudly provided expert scheduling services for the SAWS Dos Rios Desalination Project CPM scheduling in San Antonio, Texas. Through detailed planning, proactive monitoring, and strategic coordination, we supported over $20 million of critical electrical construction work.

Project Overview

The Dos Rios Desalination Project is a groundbreaking effort by the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) to diversify the city’s water supply.

Located on a 3,200-acre Twin Oaks property, this multi-phase project has a total investment of approximately $411 million. Its goal is ambitious: to generate up to 12 million gallons of finished drinking water per day by treating brackish water from the Wilcox Aquifer.

Because the project involved advanced treatment processes and complex electrical systems, effective scheduling was crucial from the earliest stages.

Our Role and Responsibilities

Precision Scheduling Consultants was engaged specifically to support the electrical scope, valued at over $20 million. First, we collaborated with the electrical contractor to develop a detailed baseline schedule that integrated with the overall project master schedule. Additionally, we ensured that all major activities, including conduit installation, cabling, terminations, equipment setting, and testing, were properly sequenced and resourced. Moreover, we provided monthly schedule updates, risk analysis, and look-ahead schedules to facilitate efficient field execution and client reporting. Because of the complexity of coordinating between civil, mechanical, and electrical disciplines, continuous schedule integration became a key part of our responsibilities. Furthermore, we conducted periodic schedule compliance reviews to maintain alignment with both project milestones and SAWS’ expectations.

Challenges and Solutions Desalination Project CPM Scheduling

Although the project team worked effectively, several challenges demanded flexible scheduling strategies and rapid response. For example, unexpected subsurface conditions delayed some underground electrical conduit installations. Therefore, we resequenced above-ground work to maximize crew productivity. Additionally, critical long-lead electrical equipment faced shipping delays. Consequently, we worked with procurement teams to prioritize activities and adjust project float. Furthermore, coordinating multiple subcontractors across a large, active site required careful phasing plans to avoid conflicts and rework. Because we stayed engaged daily, potential impacts were minimized, and work progressed steadily even when unforeseen issues arose.

Results

Ultimately, the electrical portion of the Dos Rios Desalination Project was completed within budgetary and scheduling targets.

Through detailed scheduling, proactive risk management, and strong collaboration, Precision Scheduling Consultants helped deliver:

• Successful installation of major electrical infrastructure supporting a first-of-its-kind water treatment process
• Timely commissioning of essential systems needed to bring the facility online
• Full compliance with owner reporting, quality, and milestone requirements

Moreover, our expertise in managing complex, multi-disciplinary projects helped support SAWS’ vision of a reliable, diversified water future.

Lessons Learned

Several important lessons emerged during the Dos Rios project. First and foremost, early planning and strong inter-discipline coordination proved critical to maintaining project momentum. Because of our hands-on involvement, communication between trades remained clear, minimizing downtime and maximizing site efficiency. Additionally, building schedule flexibility around long-lead equipment helped mitigate risks associated with global supply chain delays. Ultimately, the project demonstrated that advanced planning and continuous monitoring are essential on complex infrastructure projects.

Partner with Precision Scheduling Consultants LLC

At Precision Scheduling Consultants, we understand the unique demands of utility and infrastructure construction projects.

Contact us today to learn how our scheduling and project controls expertise can support your next major capital program.