Working Toward an Equitable OneWater Future: Supporting Communities in Partnership with the US Water Alliance

Jacobs is working to improve water infrastructure for communities across the U.S. in a new on-call contract with the US Water Alliance.

The Alliance, through its role as a federally-funded Environmental Finance Center, recently selected Jacobs as an approved resource to provide technical assistance to address drinking water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure challenges.

The Alliance became a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Finance Center in 2023 and provides technical assistance to communities of all sizes, helping them to access federal funds, including the over $50 billion in national water infrastructure investments enabled through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“Infrastructure in the U.S. is at a pivotal juncture. New and existing federal funding resources available as a result of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law create an opportunity for the sector to transform water infrastructure across the country in alignment with OneWater principles,” says Jacobs OneWater Director Joseph Danyluk. “The US Water Alliance is ensuring all communities can access these federal funds to implement much-needed improvements to existing water infrastructure, and to create lasting value for ratepayers and the environment.”

Jacobs is approved to provide on-call technical assistance directly to the Alliance as it supports medium- to large-sized communities across the country. Technical assistance may include planning and assessments, project development, program management, and support with funding, financing and grants management. In line with OneWater values, efforts will focus on strengthening partnerships and engaging stakeholders.

Joseph will serve as team lead and project principal on the on-call contract, allowing seamless delivery of the right technical resources – whether project/program managers, engineers and technologists, financial and grant experts, planners or other support teammates – wherever projects are located.

“Part of Jacobs’ OneWater approach is integrating the unique skills and experiences of our integrated, multi-disciplinary teams,” explains Joseph. “In supporting the US Water Alliance with this important program, we can tap into our bench of 9,000 water professionals, strategic consultants, and government relations experts, regardless of location, to help utilities and communities address their unique water management challenges.”

As a purpose-led company, Jacobs is focused on reinventing tomorrow with solutions for addressing water scarcity and biodiversity loss; building long-term resilience into critical infrastructure assets; and improving the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities. This partnership with the US Water Alliance not only aligns with Jacobs’ purpose but also supports several of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.