Jacobs Selected for Major Water Treatment Project in New Mexico

Key Development
Jacobs has secured a contract from the US Bureau of Reclamation to design and construct the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant, a cornerstone project for the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Initiative in northwest New Mexico.

Project Overview
Valued at $267 million, this facility stands as the most significant component of the broader Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project. Historically, over 40% of households within the Navajo Nation relied on hauling water for daily needs. Currently, more than one-third of these households still depend on this method. Upon completion, the plant is expected to provide water to approximately 250,000 individuals across 43 chapters of the Navajo Nation.

Capacity and Functionality
Jacobs is tasked with designing a plant that will initially treat up to 18.8 million gallons of water daily, with potential plans to double its capacity. At full operational capacity, the facility will serve over 200,000 people. The project includes the establishment of the San Juan Lateral distribution system along with ongoing operations and maintenance responsibilities.

Community Impact
Greg Fischer, Jacobs’ Vice President of Design-Build and Operations Management, emphasized the project’s importance: “This plant is critical for enhancing living conditions in Navajo communities. It will provide essential water for drinking, healthcare, education, and local businesses.” He noted that this approach allows for a more efficient delivery of vital infrastructure.

Water Diversion and Infrastructure
Once operational, the project will divert 37,761 acre-feet of water annually from the San Juan River Basin, facilitated by two water treatment plants constructed by Jacobs. Treated water will meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards and be distributed via nearly 300 miles of pipelines, supplemented by 19 pumping plants and multiple storage tanks.

Funding and Timeline
Partially funded by the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project aims to ensure safe drinking water for Navajo communities in Gallup, New Mexico, and Window Rock, Arizona. Currently, the project is about 70% complete, with initial water deliveries expected by late 2028 and full project completion targeted for the end of 2029.