Sydney, Australia – February 2026 – CPB Contractors, a subsidiary of CIMIC Group, has been selected by Sydney Water to deliver the Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant Reliability Upgrade (Pre-treatment) project.
The initiative will strengthen the reliability and resilience of drinking water supply for approximately 260,000 customers, while supporting future population growth in the Blue Mountains and Penrith regions of New South Wales.
Project Overview
The Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant Reliability Upgrade will see CPB Contractors collaborate with technology and engineering partners including Veolia, BG&E, CWT, Atlas, CNFiTech, and EIC Activities.
The project is expected to generate approximately $150 million in revenue for CPB Contractors.
Scope of Works
The Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant Reliability Upgrade includes:
- Construction of a new pre-treatment facility to enhance raw water treatment prior to filtration
- Upgrades to existing chemical storage and handling systems
- Demolition and removal of disused buildings and concrete structures
- Site works including pipework installation, roadway improvements, and power supply upgrades
Construction is scheduled to commence in Q3 2026.
Enhancing Water Security and Climate Resilience
Juan Santamaría, Chief Executive Officer of ACS Group and HOCHTIEF, and Executive Chairman of CIMIC Group, emphasised the strategic importance of the upgrade:
“This upgrade is critical to ensuring Sydney Water continues to deliver safe, high-quality drinking water to a growing population. By integrating advanced pre-treatment technology and leveraging CPB Contractors’ proven delivery capability, we are enabling a facility that will operate efficiently and reliably for decades during periods when raw water is impacted by extreme events.”
CPB Contractors Managing Director Craig Nuttall highlighted the company’s water sector expertise:
“Having delivered more than 100 water projects, including major water and wastewater treatment and distribution infrastructure, CPB Contractors has a proven track record spanning decades. Working closely with our specialised design and technology partners, we are committed to delivering innovative, value-for-money solutions that strengthen Sydney Water’s network and ensure reliable, high-quality drinking water for the growing Orchard Hills community.”
Long-Term Infrastructure Investment
The Orchard Hills Water Filtration Plant Reliability Upgrade represents a significant investment in water security infrastructure for Western Sydney. By integrating advanced pre-treatment systems, the project is designed to enhance operational resilience during extreme weather events and fluctuating raw water quality conditions.
With construction commencing in Q3 2026, the project reinforces CPB Contractors’ position as a leading delivery partner in Australia’s water infrastructure sector and supports Sydney Water’s long-term network strategy.
