Reinforcing and modernizing critical water infrastructure to withstand severe weather

DALLAS, Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ – Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been selected by the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) to design the Mayagüez Ocean Outfall Replacement, part of PRASA’s Capital Improvement Program to modernize and strengthen Puerto Rico’s water infrastructure.

The large diameter, 1.1-mile (1.8 kilometer) pipeline, which carries treated wastewater from the Mayagüez Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant into the Atlantic Ocean, sustained major damage during Hurricane María. Jacobs is delivering planning, permitting and design services to replace the system with a more resilient solution that reduces environmental impacts.

“This project is a powerful example of how resilient infrastructure can help protect communities and ecosystems in the face of climate-driven challenges,” said Jacobs Executive Vice President Katus Watson. “With our deep knowledge and experience in coastal and wastewater systems, we’re focused on delivering solutions for PRASA that stand up to the next storm and serve Puerto Rican communities for generations.”

Leveraging advanced oceanographic and geotechnical analysis, diffuser optimization, and both trenchless and open-cut construction strategies, the new system will be designed to withstand future hurricanes and seismic events, improve the dilution of treated wastewater and reduce impacts to marine habitats.

Jacobs has a long-standing presence in Puerto Rico, including as program manager for PRASA’s capital program and through critical infrastructure work at Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport. Globally, Jacobs brings deep experience in resilient infrastructure – from the Port of San Francisco Waterfront Resilience Program and post-earthquake recovery in the Philippines to recovery in the U.S. Virgin Islands and ongoing FEMA disaster support across the U.S. and its territories.

At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow – delivering outcomes and solutions for the world’s most complex challenges. With approximately $12 billion in annual revenue and a team of almost 45,000, we provide end-to-end services in advanced manufacturing, cities & places, energy, environmental, life sciences, transportation and water. From advisory and consulting, feasibility, planning, design, program and lifecycle management, we’re creating a more connected and sustainable world. See how at jacobs.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, X and Facebook.