More Than Maintenance: 25 Years of Collaboration to Power a Thriving Illinois Community

Jacobs has performed operations and maintenance (O&M) services for the Carol Stream Water Reclamation Center (WRC) since 1997. The facility treats an average of 4.87 million gallons per day (MGD), with a permitted capacity of 6.5 MGD and a peak design flow of 13 MGD. Serving around 40,000 residents and local businesses, the WRC is a vital part of the village’s infrastructure.

Jacobs manages the full treatment process, from influent pumping and grit removal to aeration, clarification and sludge dewatering. A proactive maintenance program uses tools such as infrared thermography, vibration analysis and risk-based asset prioritization to detect issues early, reduce downtime and support long-term capital planning.

Woven into the community

Jacobs’ presence in Carol Stream extends far beyond plant operations. Since 2005, the team has hosted an annual Water Reclamation Center Open House — now a favorite community event that draws more than 300 visitors each year.

Families enjoy duck races in the chlorine contact basins, hay rides, taffy apples and free pumpkins for kids. Behind-the-scenes tours turn complex infrastructure into hands-on education. Local vendors provide food and treats, while organizations such as the Conservation Foundation and DuPage County agencies bring interactive exhibits. The event is backed by village leadership, including the mayor, board of trustees and public works department — reflecting a shared commitment to civic pride and transparency.

That same community spirit shows up in everyday acts. When a fire destroyed the neighborhood’s Little Free Library, the Jacobs team didn’t just fix it — they rebuilt it from the ground up.

Jacobs also supports events like an annual Concert in the Park, organizes Earth Day activities and participates in stream cleanups and public health programs that help track viral trends through wastewater surveillance.  

Driving sustainability and innovation

Jacobs and the Village of Carol Stream share a strong focus on environmental stewardship. Since 2019, the team has implemented more than 125 energy-efficiency projects through the ComEd Strategic Energy Management program — saving over 656,000 kilowatt-hours of energy, avoiding 465 metric tons of carbon emissions, and earning nearly $40,000 in incentives for the village.

Smart tools like Gazebo, formerly known as Energy Sensei, help track performance and guide future improvements. The team also applies machine learning to optimize chemical use, plants native perennials to support pollinators and reduce irrigation, and applies digital tools to boost both sustainability and efficiency.

Safety and a culture of caring

Jacobs’ work in Carol Stream reflects a strong culture of safety and service. The team has gone more than nine years without a recordable injury, earning the Water Environment Federation’s George W. Burke, Jr. Safety Award twice. This milestone reflects Jacobs’ BeyondZero approach, where every team member is empowered to prioritize safety, pursue certifications and grow their careers through structured development paths.

More than just a service provider, Jacobs is a trusted contributor to Carol Stream’s resilience and long-term success. By investing in education, sustainability and public engagement, Jacobs helps strengthen the social fabric of the community while keeping essential infrastructure running reliably and efficiently.

Whether rebuilding a neighborhood library or inspiring future environmental stewards, Jacobs shows what it means to lead with care. Our work in Carol Stream reflects a shared vision where infrastructure delivers not just clean water, but also civic pride and a thriving future for generations to come.