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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
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.
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.
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
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
Our Projects
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Modernizing a 150-year-old sewer system for a growing city
The Thames Tideway Tunnel, delivered by Tideway, is cleaning up one of London’s greatest natural assets, the iconic River Thames, protecting it from sewage pollution for generations to come — and improving the quality of life for all Londoners.
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Bringing New Zealand’s largest-ever wastewater project to life
Central Interceptor, the supersized wastewater tunnel, will play a crucial role in ensuring cleaner waterways for central Auckland, New Zealand.
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Reducing sewer overflows to restore rivers and creeks
Providing innovative design to modernize infrastructure and improve water quality in one of America’s oldest cities.
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Maximizing existing infrastructure with smart sewer technology
By harnessing digital tools and predictive analytics, Jacobs is helping Omaha, Nebraska prioritize investments and improve water quality for more than 600,000 residents.
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Rebuilding Baton Rouge’s wastewater system to protect public health
Through a multi-year program of system upgrades, pipeline rehabilitation and treatment improvements, Jacobs enabled the city reduce sewer overflow incidents and safeguard local waterways.
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Designing flood resilience with a community twist
An innovative flood storage system hidden beneath an amphitheater safeguards local properties while delivering a vibrant green space for residents in Sidmouth, England.
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Developing a new blueprint for water management in Greater Manchester
Jacobs helped develop England’s first city-region Integrated Water Management Plan, bringing partners together to tackle flooding, water quality and climate challenges across the region.
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Advancing a proven program to improve water quality
Building on more than a decade of progress, Jacobs is supporting delivery of the next phase of a nationally recognized sewer overflow reduction program in Syracuse, New York, using data-driven planning and digital tools.
