Jacobs Partners with United Utilities for Advanced Water Network Modeling in the UK

Jacobs and United Utilities Collaboration

In a significant move towards enhancing water infrastructure management, Jacobs (NYSE: J) has secured a key role in supporting United Utilities, one of the largest water service providers in the U.K. This partnership focuses on delivering advanced modeling support for the essential water supply network through the Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8) which will span from 2025 to 2030.

Jacobs' expertise will be pivotal in offering water network and water quality modeling services tailored to capital programs, asset management, and daily operations. This endeavor aims to drive innovation in modeling techniques and establish a framework aimed at maximizing value across United Utilities' extensive operations. As climate change and infrastructure aging pose increasing challenges, the collaboration represents a proactive approach to ensuring sustainability and resilience in water services.

Senior Vice President at Jacobs, Kate Kenny, expressed the importance of the initiative, stating, "Addressing challenges like climate change, water security, and aging infrastructure, managing this essential resource has never been more complex for the water sector." With decades of experience in this region, Jacobs is set to contribute to a forward-looking program that prioritizes environmental performance.

The partnership's significance is underscored by its scale, supporting what is regarded as United Utilities' largest investment in water and wastewater infrastructure in the North West of England over the last century. United Utilities Capital Delivery Director Jane Simpson highlighted that this collaboration will enable informed decision-making concerning operational and capital investment programs. By closely monitoring key environmental factors, including rivers and coastal infrastructure, the collaboration aims to optimize service delivery and address future supply needs efficiently.

The agreement between Jacobs and United Utilities has an initial term of five years, with potential extensions leading to a total maximum duration of eleven years. United Utilities' extensive client base, serving around seven million people across three million households and 200,000 businesses, exemplifies the critical need for innovative solutions in water management.

In addition to modeling services, Jacobs is a vital member of the Strategic Solutions Team at United Utilities, actively engaging in optimizing the AMP8 major capital program. Their contributions extend to delivering tactical project management support, enhancing system performance, and ensuring effective project execution in water and wastewater projects.

For over a decade, Jacobs has established itself as a key enabler of United Utilities' engineering services framework. This role encompasses strategic studies, business planning, and asset optimization, all of which reinforce the reliability of crucial assets like the Haweswater Aqueduct. Furthermore, Jacobs has been instrumental in implementing the Dynamic Network Management approach through their innovative Aqua DNA solution. This digital tool elevates performance in wastewater networks by leveraging real-time data, smart sensors, and AI-driven predictive analytics.

The collaboration between Jacobs and United Utilities signifies a crucial advancement in the water sector's approach to infrastructure resilience. As both organizations strive for excellence, their combined efforts are expected to deliver robust water services, ensuring sustainability and adaptability in the face of environmental shifts. Jacobs is committed to reshaping the future by tackling complex challenges with effective solutions, ultimately fostering a connected and sustainable world.

For those interested in learning more about Jacobs, additional information can be accessed through their website at jacobs.com, and engagement is encouraged on their social media channels including LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook.