The Water Replenishment District of Southern California has awarded a significant $160 million design-build contract to a joint venture consisting of Jacobs and McCarthy. This venture is set to expand the Torrance Groundwater Desalter facility, which will have the capacity to treat up to 9 million gallons per day of additional drinking water. The use of reverse osmosis membrane technology will remove salts from the extracted groundwater, producing high-quality drinking water.

Project Highlights and Benefits

The initiative supports the WRD's Brackish Groundwater Reclamation Program and its broader Win 4 All initiative. Jacobs emphasizes the progressive design-build contract as a means to enhance efficiency, control costs, and minimize risks. Senior Vice President Katus Watson stated, "The progressive design-build delivery model allows us to work collaboratively to minimize cost, reduce risk, streamline construction and improve schedule performance to fast track the completion of this state-of-the-art facility."The scope of work also encompasses new groundwater extraction wells and raw water pipelines. The Jacobs-McCarthy team anticipates that the facility will reach full-scale production by 2027.

Jacobs' Portfolio Growth in the Water Sector

This award builds on Jacobs' momentum in the water sector, as evident from its recent fourth quarter report. CEO Bob Pragada mentioned during the firm's earnings call that water projects have driven double-digit growth across Jacobs' portfolio. This indicates the company's strong position and increasing focus on the water industry.

McCarthy's Contribution to the Joint Venture

McCarthy, being a part of the joint venture, brings its expertise and resources to the table. Their involvement ensures the successful execution of the project and contributes to the overall growth and development of the water sector in the Golden State. The combination of Jacobs' and McCarthy's capabilities is expected to lead to the creation of a resilient local water supply system.

Impact on the Local Community

The expansion of the groundwater desalter facility will have a significant impact on the local community. It will provide a reliable source of drinking water and contribute to the sustainability of the region. By treating and reusing groundwater, the project helps to address the growing water demand and reduces the reliance on other water sources. This initiative also sets an example for other regions facing similar water challenges and promotes the importance of water conservation and management.