Jacobs secures 10-year contract to manage California water reuse facility

(UI) — Jacobs has been awarded a 10-year contract by the Soquel Creek Water District (SqCWD) to operate and maintain an advanced water purification facility in Santa Cruz County, California.

The facility is a key part of SqCWD's Pure Water Soquel program, aimed at replenishing groundwater and preventing seawater intrusion.

The new facility will treat secondary municipal effluent, which will be used to recharge the Santa Cruz Mid-County Groundwater Basin, the district's sole source of drinking water. Utilizing a three-step process—ultrafiltration, reverse osmosis, and ultraviolet light with hydrogen peroxide—the plant will provide sustainable water in a drought-prone region and reduce ocean discharge by up to 25%.

"As climate change threatens water security, more communities are turning to water reuse,” said Greg Fischer, Jacobs vice president of design-build and operations management. “SqCWD's new facility is one of several impactful programs combating these concerns in California. Together, we're addressing seawater intrusion and groundwater contamination while maintaining a resilient solution for the community."

Jacobs has worked with the district since 2020, serving as a consultant for the facility's operations and maintenance. Under the new contract, Jacobs will implement its Digital OneWater suite to improve plant performance and reduce risks. The company has also developed a digital twin of the facility to optimize energy and chemical usage.

"We held our ribbon-cutting ceremony this fall and are pleased to have Jacobs on board as we move into the operational phase," said Melanie Mow Schumacher, SqCWD General Manager. "Pure Water Soquel is a critical part of addressing local water supply challenges, and Jacobs' partnership ensures its proper operation."

Jacobs has been involved in several large-scale infrastructure projects across California, including the Los Angeles World Airports Capital Improvement Program and the Delta Conveyance Project. The company was recently awarded an operations contract by the Lincoln-SMD1 Wastewater Authority.

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