Insights for what's next

Explore practical perspectives that turn complex challenges and emerging trends into real-world outcomes.

125 items
Aerial view of Sungei Buloh mangrove nature reserve in Singapore
Big Questions

How can an integrated approach across water systems build a more climate-resilient Singapore?

Protecting a low‑lying, highly urbanized island nation like Singapore requires more than traditional engineering — it requires an integrated, system-wide approach that understands how coastal defenses, drainage networks, stormwater systems and water supply intersect. That’s where Jacobs’ Senior Environmental Engineer Chow Shu Yi plays a pivotal role. With more than 14 years of experience across coastal resilience, stormwater management, drainage improvement and major water infrastructure projects, Shu Yi brings a unique cross‑disciplinary perspective to some of Singapore’s most urgent climate challenges. She bridges coastal science, water engineering and urban resilience to shape climate‑ready solutions that protect communities and adapt to tomorrow’s uncertainty. She has taken on key roles in national‑level coastal protection and flood mitigation projects, contributing to feasibility assessments, long‑term adaptation planning and detailed hydraulic and hydrological modeling. Her work spans coastal barrier systems, coastal reservoir studies and large-scale drainage upgrades. She played a key role in delivering Singapore's Active Beautiful and Clean (ABC) Waters enhancement projects that blend engineering with ecology to create greener, more resilient waterways. Along with coastal resilience and stormwater management, Shu Yi has been instrumental in designing several of Singapore’s mega wastewater infrastructure projects, including PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency’s New Kranji Water Reclamation Plant Tuas Water Reclamation Plant and Changi Water Reclamation Plants, specializing in early stages of wastewater treatment. Today, as Singapore advances major coastal protection initiatives, Shu Yi’s integrated approach continues to shape the next generation of water and climate‑resilient infrastructure.

Chow Shu Yi
Water for life cover
Report

Water for Life

Water for Life: Why valuing water in all its forms is key to thriving and resilient communities explores why the water system must consider water in all its forms – and the economic, social and environmental systems that depend on it – to better navigate the increased pressures of climate change and rapid urbanization and enhance resilience in our communities.

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Webinar

Building resilient utilities: Strategies for a climate-ready future

In an era of escalating climate change, utility systems are under unprecedented pressure. Join us for a compelling panel discussion where industry experts share proactive strategies to bolster resilience against severe weather events. Discover how water utilities are innovating to mitigate natural hazards and enhance system reliability in a changing climate. Resilience activities that will be discussed include performing natural hazard and climate vulnerability risk assessments to prioritize investments and developing design guidelines to address specific hazards such as flooding, extreme heat, wildfire and drought. The design guidelines typically go beyond existing regulatory requirements, such as elevating or flood proofing to higher elevations than typically required by ASCE or FEMA guidance. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and prepare for a more reliable and resilient future. Moderators: Laurens van der Tak, Water Resilience Director – Jacobs Yari Escobar, Sustainability and Resilience Transformation Manager – Jacobs Speakers: Robert Taylor, Energy Manager – WSSC Water Debbie Griner, Chief Resilience and Sustainability Officer – Miami-Dade Water and Sewer Department Armin Munevar, Global Technologist for Water and Climate Resilience – Jacobs Download the presentation slide deck. (PDF, 1.3 MB)

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Webinar

Potable reuse: Nature reuses water endlessly, why don't we?

Natural- and human-made threats to our global water supply get more complex as populations surge and the demand for water across industries increases. Since there is no new water on Earth, all water goes through a natural cycle and is essentially recycled water before it is treated, tested and returned to homes and businesses as drinking water. In recent decades, forward-thinking organizations have looked to replicate nature more closely by reclaiming the water once viewed as waste and recycling it to augment water supplies. In this webinar you’ll learn why potable reuse is not only a safe solution, it is also a future-proof and environmentally friendly one. Potable Reuse provides a locally-controlled, drought-proof water supply, eliminates the need for dedicated conveyance systems and reduces storage needs because water stays within the system – providing the water where it is needed and producing a strong water supply for resilient cities. Speakers: Larry Schimmoller, Water Reuse Global Technology Director, Jacobs - Moderator Germano Salazar-Benites, SWIFT Project Manager, Hampton Roads Sanitation District Tyler Nading, Senior Technologist, Jacobs Jim Lozier, Desalination Global Technology Director, Jacobs David Pedersen, General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Administering Agent, Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority Download the presentation slide deck. (PDF, 8.6 MB) Download the white paper. (PDF, 7.6 MB)

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Webinar

OneWater: An integrated, inclusive approach to a sustainable water future

This webinar is focused on OneWater: An Integrated, Inclusive Approach to a Sustainable Water Future. If we think differently about water and view all water as a valuable resource, we can work to tackle the issues that impact people and move beyond traditional silos to bring an integrated, inclusive approach to a sustainable water future for all. In this webinar you’ll learn how the cities of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and St. Petersburg, Florida, are using the OneWater approach. Harpreet Sandhu, City of Calgary and Susan Butler, Jacobs, will provide a general overview of OneWater and Calgary’s journey - “An integrated approach to water resilient cities” Claude Tankersley, City of St. Petersburg and Leisha Pica, Jacobs, will focus on implementing OneWater strategies in St. Petersburg, Florida - “How to use a One Water Approach to engage the Community” Moderator: Adam Hosking, Jacobs Water Resources Global Solutions Director Download the presentation slide deck. (PDF, 6 MB)

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Webinar

Many approaches to OneWater: Implementing integrated water management regionally

Within watersheds and across community boundaries, utilities are tackling complex challenges in sustainably, equitably, and safely managing water. Addressing these challenges requires integrated, collaborative solutions that are specific to the regional watershed, beneficial to local communities, and rooted in the context of the global water cycle. Integrated or OneWater approaches are not a one size fits all. In this webinar we will learn how two utilities – the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District and Las Virgenes Municipal Water District – are addressing very different water quality and water quantity challenges. These organizations demonstrate how water connects us and affects us all, and how integrated solutions require systems-based thinking and regional partnerships and collaboration. Whether you’re grappling with too much water or too little water, implementing a OneWater approach allows for a tailored solution. Presenters: Susan Moisio, Global Vice President & Global Water Director, Jacobs Joseph Danyluk, Principal Technologist & Global Lead for OneWater, Jacobs Kyle Dreyfuss-Wells, Chief Executive Officer, Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District David Pedersen, General Manager, Las Virgenes Municipal Water District, Administering Agent, Las Virgenes-Triunfo Joint Powers Authority Katie Bollmer, Senior Project Manager, Jacobs

coastline port
Big Questions

How can integrated adaptive planning shape coastlines and ports of tomorrow?

Climate change is reshaping coastlines faster than traditional ports and shoreline defenses can keep up. To stay ahead, nations need integrated adaptive planning — a smarter, system‑wide approach that blends coastal science, engineering and long-term risk-modeling. It layers solutions across scales, from regional coastal systems to local catchments and individual assets, creating strategies that adapt to changing conditions. This is where Jacobs Project Manager Jia Hann makes a real difference — bringing extensive experience at the intersection of coastal science, maritime engineering and climate adaptation. With integrated adaptive planning at the core of his approach, Jia Hann leads multidisciplinary teams to tackle some of the Asia Pacific region’s most urgent coastal challenges. such as flooding, wave overtopping, coastline erosion, port downtime and climate driven operational risks. Across national coastal protection studies in Singapore, coastal masterplans and major port developments globally, he supports organizations in making high impact decisions on tidal gates, pumping systems, shoreline protection strategies and critical marine infrastructure. Whether he’s designing coastal protection measures for vulnerable shorelines, advising on inland drainage measures for coastal developments or planning ports for future environmental conditions, Jia Hann brings deep insight into how water, infrastructure and the environment interact, and how to adapt them for tomorrow’s conditions. Jia Hann brings over 12 years of coastal engineering, port consulting and climate resilience experience with expertise in breakwater design, port layout planning, berthing and mooring analysis, navigational design and nautical studies. His professional foundation is built on technical training and active industry leadership. He

Jia Hann Tan
2026-01-Cyber-Podcast
Podcast

Resilience by design: Safeguarding water utilities from cyber threats

According to Check Point Research and Reuters, cyberattacks on U.S. utilities in 2024 increased nearly 70% compared to the year before, leading to an average of 69 attacks every week. In 2025, the trend continued, in the U.S and globally. What can water utilities do to protect themselves from these digital threats? The OT environment at Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD) is a success story as it protects one of the largest regional water and wastewater utilities in the U.S., servicing more than 20 counties and cities and 1.5 million people. Thanks to its signature program of embedded visibility, governance and consequence-driven planning, it can serve as a blueprint for water utilities globally.

Aerial view of Water Treatment tank
Big Questions

How can water utilities navigate infrastructure funding in the face of uncertainty?

For water utilities across the U.S., the funding landscape continues to evolve. Traditional funding sources can change or become less reliable, creating uncertainty for water utilities working to deliver critical infrastructure improvements. For Tahne Corcutt, navigating that complexity is about more than securing funding — it’s enabling utilities to build more efficient and sustainable financial systems for capital improvements. As the leader of Jacobs’ Water Infrastructure Funding and Grants consulting practice, Tahne is a nationally recognized subject matter expert on the State Revolving Fund (SRF) and Water Infrastructure Finance Authority (WIFIA) programs. Over the past 18 years, she has supported water projects in all 50 states, serving as a prime contractor for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Water and advising clients across federal, state and local government. Her work has helped secure more than $1 billion in funding for critical water infrastructure — enabling communities to advance essential projects with confidence. Reimagining how water projects are financed Tahne is known for thinking beyond conventional financing models. With a background in policy and law, she interprets statutes and regulations in unique ways that unlock opportunity. She has led innovative water infrastructure financing pilots in 15 states, advancing watershed-based strategies and community-based public-private partnerships. These approaches include: Programmatic financing Conduit lending Sponsorship lending Green banking Credit enhancements Linked deposit programs These models have helped address water quality and public health challenges while aligning the needs of utilities and funding agencies. Her work includes the conceptualization of a comprehensive, multi-year funding

Tahne Corcutt
PFAS-Podcast-Graphic
Podcast

Navigating PFAS: Pioneering solutions for a healthier tomorrow

How are PFAS affecting your work and our world? Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are a large class of long-lasting, synthetic chemicals used extensively in industrial and household products. Many PFAS don’t degrade readily on their own, and some are highly mobile in the environment. They can be found worldwide in water, soil, air, plants, animals and even our bloodstreams. We’re still uncovering the full impact of these chemicals on the health of humans and our environment, but here’s what is clear: it’s a complex challenge at scale to remediate these so-called “forever” chemicals. Our guests are defining the solutions for clients and the industry: Sharon Minchak, former Global Solutions Director for Remediation and Regeneration at Jacobs, and Dr. Russell Ford, Global Director for Drinking Water & Reuse Solutions at Jacobs.

Aerial top view of circular sedimentation tanks in modern water treatment plant facility
Big Questions

How do you navigate the engineering, regulatory and operational demands of modern water infrastructure?

With 28 years of experience in wastewater treatment, conveyance design, water supply, biosolids and effluent reuse, Quitterie leads complex infrastructure programs that integrate environmental stewardship, regulatory compliance, and long-term operational performance. Based in Portland, Oregon, she brings a powerful combination of technical expertise and strategic leadership to every engagement — from planning biosolids reuse programs to managing half-billion-dollar treatment expansions. Her work consistently aligns infrastructure investment with regulatory certainty and system reliability. Collaboration defines her approach. She builds and leads high-performing multidisciplinary teams, guiding subconsultants, stakeholder engagement efforts and permitting negotiations across federal, state and local agencies. Her ability to navigate complexity while maintaining alignment keeps large programs moving forward through open communication and thoughtful organization. Quitterie’s experience spans municipal, industrial and agricultural systems across the western United States and South America. From feasibility studies and engineering design to construction management, Quitterie applies innovative thinking to solve complex client challenges and strengthen long-term outcomes. In Oregon, she played a central role in managing the City of Portland’s $500 million Secondary Treatment Expansion Program from planning through design and construction. The program met critical regulatory deadlines while positioning the city for sustained system performance. Across her portfolio, she has advanced capital improvements that enhance reliability, strengthen operations and maintenance strategies, and support biosolids land application, treated effluent discharge and natural treatment systems. Having lived and worked in France, Thailand, South America and the United States, Quitterie brings a global perspective to local infrastructure challenges. She understands how water systems operate within

Quitterie Cotten
wastewater treatment plant
Big Questions

How do wastewater leaders deliver reliable services as infrastructure ages?

Wastewater treatment is more than a technical discipline — it’s a public service essential to community health, environmental protection and long-term resilience. Without it, communities risk public health emergencies like the spread of disease, contaminated drinking water and sewage backup into homes. Jacobs’ Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Consultant Aleksey Reznik works to be sure those risks don’t become a reality. With more than 40 years of experience in wastewater treatment and environmental engineering, Aleksey’s career is defined by technical excellence and a deep commitment to the communities he serves. Today, he supports the O&M of the 134-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) wastewater treatment plant in Wilmington, Delaware — one of the region’s most critical wastewater facilities supporting both the City of Wilmington and a large portion of New Castle County — equipping operators with the training, tools and support they need to deliver reliable service to the community. A global journey shaped by engineering and purpose Aleksey’s path into the water sector began in Kiev, Ukraine, where he launched his career as an environmental engineer at the city’s municipal wastewater treatment plant. He learned the fundamentals of sludge digestion, pumping systems and facility operations. His next chapter designing water purification and wastewater treatment systems, selecting equipment and overseeing installation and startup activities deepened his understanding of how treatment facilities are built, optimized and sustained. Leading Wilmington’s O&M program When Aleksey immigrated to the United States, he became a licensed plant operator at the Wilmington wastewater treatment facility. Working in various roles, he immersed

Aleksey Reznik

  • Future Foundations

    Co-creating the world to come

    From developing climate resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future, to modernizing and transforming infrastructure, governments and businesses face critical challenges. How they respond will define our future.

    As our clients navigate these challenges, we help them think differently – working together to pioneer tomorrow's infrastructure solutions and build the foundations for a prosperous, secure future. 

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