WEFTEC 2020: Showcasing Jacobs Digital Solutions and Project Distinction

WEFTEC, the world’s most comprehensive gathering of water quality professionals and thought leaders, is held annually by the Water Environment Federation (WEF). While this year’s event will look different than year’s past as the first-ever virtual experience, we’re excited to participate in the programming, which will be held Oct. 5-9. This year’s theme is “Connecting the World to Clean Water.”

Jacobs will be giving more than 30 online presentations. Since the conference is virtual, it’s only fitting that our presentations will strongly focus on digital technologies. In fact, we’ll be sharing our experiences in these key Digital Twin focus areas:

• What is a 'Digital Twin'?
• Benefits of Digital Twins: Case Studies
• Challenges, Pitfalls, and Other Downsides of Digital Twins
• Digital Twins: A Waste of Time or The Future of Water Resource Recovery?

And oh, by the way, we do think Digital Twins are the future! Watch our recent webinar on Digital Twins to see how.

With COVID-19 changing the way we live and work (and attend conferences), digital solutions are taking center stage in helping water providers manage and supply critical water resources. Featuring Jacobs’ experience with hot topics like digital solutions for collection systems and artificial intelligence for aging infrastructure, WEFTEC is a great opportunity for our team to share how digital tools are enabling us to navigate this new normal.

While we’ll miss connecting with clients and partners in person at WEFTEC, this year our focus is showcasing how clients and projects are adapting in the wake of COVID-19, and water’s critical role. Water is the most important piece of personal protective equipment (PPE) in the fight against the virus. Our team will share their experiences in helping clients ensure communities are equipped with the water and sanitation they need to address our COVID-19 challenges.

WEF recognizes people and projects with special awards each year at WEFTEC. This year, two of our team members are being distinguished, including Jacobs Technology Fellow Jim Lozier, who is being honored with the Gascoigne Wastewater Treatment Plant Operational Improvement Medal for his paper, “Expect More from Your Membranes.” The paper highlights work Jim performed to restore membrane performance at Gwinnett County’s F. Wayne Hill Water Resources Center.

Kristi Steiner is also being recognized as the 2020 WEF Outstanding Young Professional for her significant contributions to WEF and the wastewater collection and treatment industry. Kristi recently joined Jacobs from Clean Water Services.

These awards will be given during the WEF Awards Celebration on Oct. 7.

Jacobs and its Operations Management and Facilities Services teams, clients and partners also will be well-represented at the WEF Awards Celebration. The City of Berryville Wastewater Treatment Plant and Fayetteville Utility Department in Arkansas; the Lehigh County Authority Wastewater Pretreatment Plant in Pennsylvania; the San Marcos Wastewater Treatment Plant in Texas; the Pima County Regional Wastewater Reclamation District in Arizona; the West Melbourne Ray Bullard Water Reclamation Facility in Florida; and Watercare Services in Auckland, New Zealand, will receive national recognition as a Utility of the Future Today.

These utilities are among 65 water utilities that will be recognized as part of the Utility of the Future Today program, which recognizes forward-thinking approaches and creative programs that address technical and community challenges and take our utilities into the future. These winners will be recognized during a pre-recorded ceremony on Oct. 9.