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Sewer Overflow Solutions

Combining engineering, nature-based solutions and analytics to reduce sewer overflows and protect communities and waterways

open flooded sewer and road with car driving past

Sewer overflows are one of the defining challenges facing the water sector today. When wastewater networks exceed their capacity, untreated sewage and stormwater can flow into rivers, lakes or streets. Aging infrastructure, urban growth and climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sanitary sewer overflows (SSOs), placing growing pressure on utilities, regulators and communities. 

At Jacobs, we see this challenge as an opportunity to reinvent tomorrow. We protect communities, reduce spills and restore ecosystems by combining our established engineering and program management experience with innovative technologies, nature-based approaches and data-driven insight to deliver integrated solutions. We’ve spent decades supporting communities worldwide with sewer overflows, from the largest deep tunnel sewer projects in the U.K. and New Zealand to long-term compliance and control programs in the U.S.

Our solutions

Combining engineering, nature-based solutions and analytics.

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Flood Water

Planning & asset management

Effective sewer overflow management begins with clarity and robust planning. Utilities can make better-informed decisions with a clear understanding of how their systems perform under normal conditions and when stressed. Jacobs supports clients through comprehensive evaluation surveys that assess network condition and performance during wet weather events. We identify and quantify infiltration and inflow by locating sources of excess stormwater or groundwater entering sanitary systems and causing overflows. Using advanced condition assessment and proprietary tools such as Dragonfly and Argon, combined with hydraulic modeling, integrated catchment management and field analysis, we can identify vulnerabilities, prioritize rehabilitation and shape long-term investment strategies. The result is a clearer path to resilience, compliance and affordability.

Tunnel Inspection

Integrated interventions

When system upgrades are required, communities need interventions that reduce spills while strengthening places, restoring ecosystems and minimizing disruption. Jacobs delivers a full range of grey and green solutions to slow, capture, convey and treat excess flows. This includes sewer separation programs, storage and conveyance tunnels, storage tanks, pumping and treatment facilities, often integrated with green infrastructure and nature-based solutions. Our global delivery and program management expertise – demonstrated on major programs like Thames Tideway – ensure that every intervention is optimized for cost, constructability, performance and sustainability. As a global leader in trenchless technologies, we also renew and expand networks efficiently while minimizing cost and surface disruption. Through our OneWater approach, we deliver interventions as part of an integrated system. Acting as a convenor and integrator, we align utilities, regulators, local authorities and landowners to unlock funding and co-create place-based, nature-positive solutions.

Worker

Optimized operations

Some of the fastest and most cost‑effective sewer overflow solutions come from operating existing assets more intelligently. By making better use of real‑time data, utilities can maximize network capacity, prevent spills and extend asset life. Jacobs helps utilities operate with continuous “eyes on the system.” Our real‑time control and digital optimization solutions integrate live sensor data, SCADA feeds and weather forecasts with predictive analytics and AI. Tools such as Aqua DNA support early warning, automated control and proactive maintenance. These data-led approaches deliver measurable results. Clients such as United Utilities in the U.K. have reduced pollution events and sewer fooding by around 20% using Jacobs’ data-led operational strategies. We’re also deploying these tools to support long-term sewer overflow programs in the U.S., including Wilmington, Delaware and Omaha, Nebraska.

A hybrid approach

Aerial View

No single intervention can solve the overflow challenge. Our hybrid approach combines the best of asset optimization, infrastructure interventions and optimized operations to deliver resilient, cost-effective sewer overflow solutions.

By tailoring the right mix of green, grey and digital interventions to each catchment, we help clients reduce risk, achieve regulatory compliance and unlock wider social and environmental benefits. Our hybrid solutions:

  • Protect rivers, coasts and communities from pollution and flooding
  • Support climate and biodiversity goals through nature-based approaches
  • Reduce lifecycle costs and carbon compared with traditional methods
  • Build trust and transparency through early and ongoing stakeholder engagement
  • Convene cross-sector stakeholders to integrate CSO management with other community needs

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