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Behind the pipes: Sustainable utility services in The Villages

Three decades of water, wastewater and sanitation solutions in Florida’s largest retirement community
The Villages, Florida
Water

At the heart of Florida’s largest retirement community, a long-standing relationship is shaping the future of essential utility services. Jacobs has worked with The Villages to deliver reliable, sustainable water, wastewater and sanitation solutions that support the health and growth of the community.

The relationship began in 1993, when Jacobs designed and built The Villages’ first wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Recognizing the benefits of outsourcing utility operations, The Villages contracted with Jacobs to operate and maintain the new facility, along with two water treatment plants and two golf course irrigation stations. This foundation created a utility system designed to grow in step with the community.

 

Jacobs’ utility operations in The Villages include:

  • Water and wastewater treatment plant operations
  • Wastewater collection-system operations
  • Water distribution system operations
  • Residential solid waste sanitation services
  • Effluent reuse for irrigation
  • Stormwater pumping for irrigation 
  • Routine sewer cleaning and inspections
  • Preventative maintenance 
  • Water quality assurance
  • Educational outreach and workforce development
150K

Residents served

12

Water treatment plants serviced

4

Wastewater treatment plants serviced

Expanded service capabilities

In 1993, The Villages served just 5,000 residents. Today, it’s home to more than 160,000 and continues to expand. As the population grew, so did the need for enhanced services and greater operational capacity. In response, The Villages expanded Jacobs’ scope to include residential solid waste sanitation services, maintaining coverage across public and private utility systems.

To improve solid waste sanitation services, Jacobs leveraged advanced route management software to analyze and optimize collection patterns. The team designed a more efficient system that evenly distributes workloads while minimizing the number of vehicles required. As a result, residents benefit from reliable twice-weekly household solid waste sanitation services with optimized efficiency behind the scenes.

Beyond solid waste sanitation, The Villages continues to tap into Jacobs’ global network of 40,000 professionals to drive consistency, reduce administrative overhead and strengthen workforce stability. This approach maintains high-quality service delivery across the board. 

 

Recent integrated service innovations include:

  • Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and geographic information systems (GIS) technologies to capture and manage thousands of assets, improving safety, sustainability and livability
  • Cybersecurity measures to protect critical infrastructure
  • Supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA) upgrades for real-time monitoring
  • Investment in the district automatic meter reading project to improve water usage tracking

  • We truly appreciate the extra effort, willingness to come in after hours, weekends and whenever needed to get the job done in a timely and professional manner. The level of service provided to our residents and the quality of service to operate and maintain our utility systems sets the standard for excellence.
    Bruce Brown
    Assistant District Manager with The Villages
3.3

Million residential solid waste pickups per year

98%

Of treated wastewater used for golf course irrigation

35K+

Infrastructure assets assessed annually

Storm-ready year-round

Uninterrupted utility services are vital to community resilience during and after severe weather events. Jacobs takes a year-round proactive approach to emergency preparedness, combining preventive and predictive maintenance with rigorous planning. Each year, the team conducts comprehensive reviews of hurricane response protocols and pre-storm checklists, assessing the readiness of the utility systems, lift stations and generators. Scenario-based drills further strengthen response capabilities. 

During Hurricane Irma, for example, Jacobs staff remained onsite to maintain delivery of uninterrupted vital utility services. Jacobs’ regional maintenance teams mobilized quickly after storm passage with tools, supplies, fuel and generators to assist with immediate repairs. The coordinated response restored service quickly, helping the community recover. 

Investing in the next generation 

As staffing shortages challenge water utilities nationwide, Jacobs is taking proactive steps to cultivate a new generation of skilled professionals. 

In 2023, the team partnered with Lake-Sumter State College to adopt the Sacramento State Wastewater Curriculum, teaching wastewater operations Level C coursework alongside hands-on learning at the WWTP. The Jacobs-led course prepares students to launch careers in wastewater operations.

But the investment doesn’t stop at new talent. Jacobs is equally committed to upskilling its existing workforce. Through targeted technical training, leadership development and cross-functional learning, team members gain new certifications and capabilities that enhance project delivery and foster a culture of growth. 

Empowering communities

Jacobs also engages residents through education. The Resident Academy outreach program gives thousands of community members opportunities to attend briefings, join classes led by Jacobs and tour the water and wastewater facilities.

In 2024, Jacobs deepened its commitment to education by partnering with The Villages Charter School to enhance science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) curriculum. Jacobs team members mentor students through research projects, including standout student Sarah Colley, whose work with Jacobs and The Villages has earned top state and national recognition. 

This ongoing collaboration reflects Jacobs’ commitment to sustainability, innovation and community enrichment — helping utility services grow in step with the evolving needs of The Villages. 

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