Jacobs Wins New Contract To Advance Water Reuse In California

While several engineering firms provide standard water treatment services, Jacobs’ recent selection by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) for the Donald C. Tillman Water Reclamation Plant highlights a distinct competitive advantage in complex, large-scale potable reuse integration. This project underscores a specialized capability to manage the entire lifecycle of advanced water purification, moving beyond traditional consultancy to provide integrated, resilient infrastructure that sets a benchmark for the industry.

Integrated Infrastructure for Long-Term Water Independence
The project focuses on the Progressive Design-Build of the Advanced Water Purification Facility (AWPF), a critical component of the Operation NEXT program. This initiative aims to transform the region's water management by producing up to 15 million gallons of high-quality recycled water daily. The primary objective is to replenish the San Fernando Groundwater Basin, providing a sustainable, local supply for over 200,000 residents. By reducing the city’s dependence on imported water from the Colorado River and the State Water Project, the facility serves as a blueprint for municipal self-sufficiency.

Technical Differentiation in Water Treatment
The facility utilizes a sophisticated multi-stage purification process, including primary, secondary, and tertiary treatments followed by advanced disinfection. The integration of these technologies ensures that the reclaimed water meets or exceeds stringent regulatory standards for groundwater injection. This technical approach differentiates the project from standard reclamation efforts by prioritizing "direct-to-groundwater" applications, which require a higher degree of precision and long-term reliability in filtration and chemical processing.

Addressing Urban Water Resilience Challenges
This development addresses the growing global necessity for climate-resilient infrastructure. As urban centers face increasing volatility in natural water cycles, the ability to convert wastewater into a high-purity resource becomes a necessity rather than an option. The Tillman AWPF represents a significant shift toward circular water economies, where technology is leveraged to create a closed-loop system. This project demonstrates how large-scale engineering can mitigate the risks of drought and environmental change by securing local resources through advanced scientific application.

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