Jacobs to develop data-driven sewer strategy for Omaha
(UI) – Jacobs was selected by the City of Omaha, Nebraska, in the U.S. to develop a real-time control decision support system for the city's wastewater collection network. Jacobs will provide design services and data solutions to develop a strategy that maximizes the use of existing assets while reducing combined sewer overflows (CSOs).
![](/media/6317/mo_river_omaha.jpg?width=300)
The project will deploy Jacobs' Digital OneWater solution, Aqua DNA, to collect Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system data and inputs from new and existing sensors that monitor system parameters like flow and rainfall.
Together with hydraulic modelling, machine learning and artificial intelligence, this platform will provide real-time insights to improve sewer system performance, optimization of operational costs and long-term environmental benefits to the Missouri River watershed aligned with the City of Omaha's Long Term Control Plan.
"Jacobs served as Program Manager for the City of Omaha's $2 billion CSO Program from 2006 to 2023, overseeing dozens of projects to reduce combined sewer overflows that protect public health and local water quality," said Jacobs Senior Vice President Ron Williams.
"With extensive knowledge of the city's wastewater operations, we will now deploy data solutions to support the city's journey toward an integrated and secure smart sewer system that optimizes the collection system and CSO control."
The contract scope involves the design of three Long Term Control Plan capital projects, including modifications to collection system control structures to actively manage flows in real time. Jacobs will leverage the data platform to evaluate alternative control schemes for these new structures that reduce overflows to the environment. Jacobs will also develop cybersecurity protocols to enhance the city's communication network and SCADA systems security.
The deployment of Aqua DNA adds to the City's use of Jacobs' suite of Digital OneWater tools and continues to build on Jacobs' Palantir partnership. Replica and Argon are already being used to support the planning for future asset upgrades and the optimization of operational assets that serve over 600,000 people reliant upon the City's wastewater collection and treatment systems.
"This project will provide far-reaching opportunities to improve the overall operations of our wastewater collection system," said City of Omaha Assistant Public Works Director Jim Theiler. "Jacobs' digital tools give us insight to deliver improvements that benefit the environment and our Omaha community."
Related News
From Archive
![](/media/1055/uc-enews-300x140-100.jpg?width=380)
- OSHA investigation launched after worker found unconscious in Kansas City, Mo., sewer pipe
- Emergency rehabilitation brings back Baltimore’s Back River outfall interceptor
- CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
- Fatal Shawnee trench collapse linked to Oklahoma contractor’s repeated safety violations, OSHA reports
- OSHA cites contractor for fatal trench collapse in New Canaan, Conn.
- CIPP, tunneling pioneer Robert “Bob” Affholder passes
- Wisconsin proposes new PFAS drinking water standards to align with federal rules
- Construction worker dies after being found unconscious in trench box
- Tennessee pipeline gets initial FERC approval despite environmental concerns
- Florence, S.C., to fund $537 million sewer, water upgrade with bonds and 5% rate hike
Comments