Jacobs Selected by U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to Design and Construct Key Water Project in New Mexico

DALLAS, Oct. 22, 2024 -- The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has awarded Jacobs (NYSE: J) the contract to design and build the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant in northwest New Mexico. With an investment of $267 million, this facility represents a crucial component of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. Previously, over 40% of Navajo Nation households relied on hauling water, and today, more than a third still depend on this method for their daily needs. Upon completion, the plant will supply clean water to around 250,000 residents across 43 Navajo chapters.

Jacobs will create a water treatment facility capable of initially processing up to 18.8 million gallons per day, with potential for future expansion to double its capacity. Ultimately, the plant is designed to serve over 200,000 people. The project also encompasses the commissioning of the San Juan Lateral distribution system, alongside operations and maintenance services.

“Critical to improving the living conditions for Navajo communities, in addition to basic drinking water, this plant will provide water for commercial and retail businesses, health care, schools and other facilities,” stated Greg Fischer, Vice President of Design-Build and Operations Management and Facilities Services. “Our approach provides the Bureau of Reclamation a more efficient way of delivering critical infrastructure necessary to supply clean, reliable, long-term water for this community.”

Once completed, the project will divert 37,761 acre-feet of water annually from the San Juan River Basin, facilitated by two Jacobs-managed water treatment plants. The treated water, meeting Safe Drinking Water Act standards, will be delivered via nearly 300 miles of pipeline, 19 pumping stations, and multiple storage tanks.

"We are extremely pleased to award this contract to Jacobs, who we have a long-standing relationship with, having completed the award-winning Cutter Lateral Water Treatment Plant in 2020. Their consistent quality of work, reliability, dedication and proactive approach make them an invaluable partner,” remarked Bart Deming, Construction Engineer/Manager at Reclamation’s Four Corners Construction Office. “We look forward to continuing our collaboration and delivering safe, reliable drinking water together for the Navajo people.”

The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, partially funded by the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, aims to provide safe drinking water to Navajo communities in Gallup, New Mexico, and Window Rock, Arizona. Currently, the project is 70% complete, with initial water deliveries anticipated by late 2028 and full completion expected by the end of 2029.

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow—delivering solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With a workforce of around 45,000, we offer comprehensive services across various sectors, including advanced manufacturing, energy, environmental management, life sciences, transportation, and water. For more information, visit jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.

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