Latest news with #wastewater
Associated Press
2 hours ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Jacobs Reinforces Historic Water Operations and Maintenance Presence in Western US
Supports continued delivery of resilient infrastructure and reliable water and wastewater service DALLAS, July 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jacobs (NYSE: J) has secured multiple contract wins and renewals for operations and maintenance (O&M) services, reinforcing its roots in the Northwest U.S. and growth in the wider water and wastewater utility O&M industry in the Western U.S. Jacobs was recently awarded new water and wastewater O&M contracts with Soquel Creek Water District, West Basin Water District and Lincoln-Sewer Management District 1 Wastewater Authority in California. Jacobs also renewed existing O&M contracts in Hood River, Oregon; Walla Walla, Washington; Twin Falls, Idaho; Cutter and Rio Rancho in New Mexico; and Red Bluff and Crescent City in California, which together span more than 144 years of collaboration. 'At Jacobs, we do not take for granted the importance of delivering an essential service like fresh drinking water, as well as protecting our sensitive environment through the collection and advanced treatment of wastewater,' said Executive Vice President Greg Fischer. 'Jacobs is uniquely positioned to provide O&M services that are directly supported by world-leading water engineering experience. This not only assures delivery of these crucial services but also extracts the maximum capacity from the utility's existing asset-base.' Forty-five years ago, Jacobs' O&M business originated in Oregon. Today, Jacobs is among the largest O&M solutions providers in the North American water market. Jacobs is responsible for a portfolio of more than 300 facilities, providing a range of services, including O&M of water and wastewater utilities, advanced water treatment facilities, public works, community development and facilities management. 'As utilities in the West are being challenged with climate change, tightening regulations and workforce shortages, we're utilizing our Digital OneWater suite of solutions like Intelligent O&M, Aqua DNA and Dragonfly to optimize operations, provide data-driven results for clients and enhance the lives of the communities we serve,' said Fischer. At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world's most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we're creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook. Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are statements that do not directly relate to any historical or current fact. When used herein, words such as 'expects,' 'anticipates,' 'believes,' 'seeks,' 'estimates,' 'plans,' 'intends,' 'future,' 'will,' 'would,' 'could,' 'can,' 'may,' and similar words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on management's current estimates and expectations, as well as currently available competitive, financial and economic data. Forward-looking statements, however, are inherently uncertain. There are a variety of factors that could cause business results to differ materially from our forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, uncertainties as to, the timing of the award of projects and funding and potential changes to the amounts provided for under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and other legislation and executive orders related to governmental spending, including any directive to federal agencies to reduce federal spending or the size of the federal workforce, and changes in U.S. or foreign tax laws, statutes, rules, regulations or ordinances, including the impact of, and changes to tariffs and retaliatory tariffs or trade policies, that may adversely impact our future financial positions or results of operations, as well as general economic conditions, including inflation and the actions taken by monetary authorities in response to inflation, changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates, changes in capital markets, the possibility of a recession or economic downturn, and increased uncertainty and risks, including policy risks and potential civil unrest, relating to the outcome of elections across our key markets and elevated geopolitical tension and conflicts, among others. For a description of these and additional factors that may occur that could cause actual results to differ from our forward-looking statements, see our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The company is not under any duty to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this press release to conform to actual results, except as required by applicable law. For press/media inquiries: [email protected] View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Jacobs
Mail & Guardian
2 days ago
- Health
- Mail & Guardian
Traces of ARVs in drinking water ‘harmless' but can affect health over time
Wastewater treatment processes cannot remove the bioactive compounds, underlining the need for technological advancements. Photo: Delwyn Verasamy The presence of Last week, the Mail & Guardian Current wastewater treatment processes are inadequate for removing these bioactive compounds, underlining the need for technological advancements, the authors said. The drugs most frequently detected were Aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems were affected. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages — viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment — were significantly affected. Such disruptions could lead to bacterial blooms and reduced water quality, the authors said. 'The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may intervene with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects,' said the study, warning that the presence of antiretrovirals in water 'can be considered a hidden or latent risk'. 'Humans are also exposed to these compounds via drinking water, and at concentrations exceeding calculated hazard quotients,' the authors said. 'Although not found in this study, humans and other organisms may potentially ingest antiretrovirals and their breakdown products via aquatic organisms such as fish.' Concentrations of ARVs in some water sources exceeded acceptable thresholds, posing potential long-term health risks to people. Nearly all antiretrovirals were found in natural systems and some in drinking water, although none were found in the fish tissue samples, nor were antiretroviral metabolites found. Since early 2000, the WRC, along with local and international partner research organisations, has commissioned several studies on the presence of Its research has focused on CECs such as microplastics, chemicals, and One of the studies related to ARVs was undertaken by the University of North West. 'As reported in the media, the study found traces of ARVs in water samples taken from rivers and potable water sources, the joint statement said. 'This can be attributed to the pharmacological process where the active part of the medication is absorbed by the body, leaving the residual to be discharged from the body, subsequently finding its way into the sewage system. These traces of ARVs can then also be present in water that has been extracted from the rivers by municipalities to be treated and supplied as potable water.' Globally, CECs are increasingly recognised as a concern for water quality, especially in wastewater and reclaimed wastewater for potable reuse, as well as agricultural water uses. 'However, CECs are a relatively new area of research globally, particularly relating to the causes and effects of CEC, the human health risks, treatment methods to remove CECs, and potential regulatory measures that can be taken to address the problem.' The WRC research has focused on increasing understanding of the sources, pathways, and potential effects of CECs on water resources. The South African National Standard 'The traces of pharmaceuticals, microplastics and other such CECs that have been found in water resources in South Africa are very small quantities, measured in nanograms (one billionth of a gram). Conventional water and wastewater treatment technologies are designed to remove much larger contaminants such as particles of faeces and bacteria.' Higher concentrations of traces of ARVs were found downstream of wastewater treatment plants, which means that the municipal wastewater treatment works are not removing them, 'because most existing wastewater treatment works have not been designed to remove CECs. 'Low concentrations of ARVs were found in some of the The WRC and the department said that there is limited knowledge of environmental toxicity, potential adverse effects on ecosystems and viral resistance of these compounds. 'CECs in water is a growing global problem and area of attention around the world. 'Globally, the level of CEC compounds in water is generally not yet regulated. This is partly due to their presence often being below water quality detection limits. However, due to their continuous production, lack of appropriate disposal, constant input into the environment and presence in water resources, albeit in small concentrations, there is now increasing global research into the issue.' Rand Water said it has been monitoring ARVs since 2015. 'Rand Water, like other research institutions, detected ARVs in the natural waters located downstream of wastewater treatment plants.' The bulk water services provider abstracts water from the Vaal Dam, which is located upstream of these wastewater treatment plants. 'Rand Water has not detected ARVs at the point of abstraction in the Vaal Dam and concomitantly in any of its treated final drinking water.' 'Rand Water assures the public that drinking water remains safe for human consumption. Rand Water, as the remains committed to protecting the health of consumers by providing potable water that complies with SANS241 standards and safe for human consumption.' For the study, North-West University sampled water upstream and downstream of wastewater treatment plants — specifically Sunderland Ridge, Vlakplaats, Waterval, Olifantsfontein River, Welgedacht, Zeekoegat, Flip Human and Baragwanath — in northern and southern Gauteng. Sampling sites included the The most frequently detected compound was fluconazole (28 detections from 72 samples), with concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 1.8 μg/L (micrograms per litre). Nevirapine and efavirenz were the second-most detected compounds, both with 22 out of 72 samples. On average, lopinavir and efavirenz had the highest concentrations of the compounds analysed. Didanosine and zidovudine were the least detected compounds — two and six out of 72.
Zawya
4 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
NWU finds ARVs in South Africa water sources, sparking govt probe
The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) says it will engage the North West University (NWU) on the study findings of traces of anti-retroviral (ARV) medicines in water resources. The research was conducted by the NWU's Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management and the Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research. It found that ARVs appear to be entering water resources through municipal wastewater treatment systems, which were usually not designed to remove such chemicals. The report titled Quantification, fate, and hazard assessment of HIV-ARVs in water resources, revealed significant concentrations of ARVs in water sources, particularly downstream of wastewater treatment plants. The drugs most frequently detected were lopinavir and efavirenz, with concentrations at some sites far exceeding global norms. According to the study, this is attributed to South Africa's large-scale HIV treatment programme, the most extensive of its kind worldwide. The research highlighted alarming effects on aquatic ecosystems and wastewater management systems. Freshwater snails exposed to ARVs exhibited altered embryonic development, while bacteriophages – viruses critical to controlling bacteria in wastewater treatment – were significantly impacted. 'Such disruptions could lead to bacterial bloom and reduced water quality. The consumption of any type of exogenous drug by any organism in sufficient quantities may interfere with the regulation of metabolic systems and bring about adverse effects. The presence of antiretrovirals in water can be considered a hidden or latent risk," the report noted. The report was submitted to the Water Research Commission (WRC). The DWS said it will engage the university on its findings and potential impacts. 'This will be done in conjunction with the Water Research Commission and the Department of Health,' the department said in a statement. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Globe and Mail
5 days ago
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Pennsylvania American Water Receives More than $48 Million in PENNVEST Funding for Statewide Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Improvement Projects
The Shapiro administration yesterday announced that Pennsylvania American Water was awarded grants and low-interest loans from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) totaling $48,840,000. The funding will support five water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects in Butler, Chester, Lackawanna and Monroe counties. 'At Pennsylvania American Water, we strive to provide our customers with high-quality, reliable water and wastewater services while also meeting environmental standards and state and federal regulations. We're thankful to PENNVEST for approving our funding request that will support us in that mission,' said Pennsylvania American Water Vice President of Engineering Tony Nokovich. 'These projects will have a positive impact on the service provided for our customers by enabling us to continue our efforts to improve water and wastewater infrastructure across the state.' The PENNVEST grant of $1,260,842 and loan of $2,939,158 will fund the replacement of approximately 240 identified lead water service lines in the City of Coatesville, Chester County. The removal of all leaded components will provide direct water quality improvements to customers and is consistent with regulatory and Pennsylvania American Water initiatives to eliminate lead-containing lines from the public water supply system. Learn more at The interest terms for the loan are 1% for the full 30-year loan period. Two of Pennsylvania American Water's dam rehabilitation projects in Lackawanna County received PENNVEST loans, totaling $14,696,000. Loans of $7,370,000 and $7,326,000 for Maple Lake Dam and Marshwood Dam, respectively, will be used to make upgrades that bring the dams into compliance with current dam safety practices. The projects include upgrading the outlet works to current design standards and increasing the capacity of the spillways to convey the probable maximum flood using two-stage labyrinth weirs. In addition, seepage collection systems will be installed in the embankments of the dams. The interest terms for both loans are 1% for the first five years and 1.743% for the remainder of the 20-year loan period. The company's construction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and manganese treatment facilities at its Summit Point Well Station in Monroe County received a $3,728,985 grant and $1,115,015 loan. The project scope includes demolition of the existing well house and construction of a new treatment facility. The new treatment facility will include adsorbers for the removal of PFAS and green sand filters for the removal of iron and manganese. In addition, the project will replace and upgrade existing chemical treatment facilities and add a new backwash recycling system. The interest terms for the loan are 1% for the first five years and 1.743% for the remainder of the 20-year loan period. In Butler County, Pennsylvania American Water's Butler Wastewater corrective action plan project received a loan of $25,100,000. The project includes increasing pumping capacity at the company's Fisher, Brewster Booster, Greenwood and Bryson pump stations; installing wet weather storage tanks at Fisher, Brewster and Greenwood to capture and convey peak wet weather flows; and installing a new force main for the Greenwood pump station to convey flows directly to the Bryson pump station. All pump station sites will include site work and new tankage, pumps, generators, controls and other appurtenances. The interest terms for the loan are 1.743% for the first five years and 2.179% for the remainder of the 20-year loan period. 'PENNVEST's priority is making sure every dollar we invest turns into real, lasting benefits for Pennsylvania's communities," said PENNVEST Executive Director Robert Boos in the Commonwealth's official announcement. 'Clean water transforms lives and PENNVEST continues its mission to expand our reach and deepen our impact." About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
American Water Participates in Companywide Fly-In to Meet with Congressional Leadership to Discuss Solutions to Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Challenges
CAMDEN, N.J., July 17, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., today announced its participation in a companywide fly-in to strengthen relationships with policymakers and discuss potential solutions to vital water and wastewater infrastructure needs across the nation. American Water President and Chief Executive Officer John Griffith and Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Cheryl Norton, along with state leadership from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, engaged in a series of meetings with Congressional leadership in Washington, D.C. "This is a pivotal moment for water from PFAS to lead and copper to aging infrastructure," said Griffith. "As a leading provider of water services across the U.S., we recognize the importance of discussing sustainable, long-term solutions that address the needs of our communities with our country's leaders." This year's fly-in underscored the need for significant investment in water infrastructure, especially given the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for America's Infrastructure. The nation's drinking water systems received a grade of "C-" and wastewater systems a grade of "D+," highlighting the serious challenges facing U.S. water and wastewater utilities. American Water leadership hosted discussions with representatives from more than 40 congressional offices focused on policy issues that affect water utilities, investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, the future of clean water access and other key legislative priorities. With over 14 million people served in 14 states and on 18 military installations, American Water is committed to addressing water and wastewater challenges through significant capital investments in infrastructure repairs and upgrades, planning to invest $40-$42 billion over the next 10 years. For more information about American Water's ongoing initiatives, please visit About American WaterAmerican Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Alicia BarbieriDirector, Corporate Communications and External Affairs(856)
