Jacobs has been selected by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to design and construct the San Juan Lateral Water Treatment Plant in northwest New Mexico. This $267 million facility is the most significant element of the Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, which aims to address long-standing water access challenges faced by the Navajo Nation. Currently, more than 40% of Navajo households rely on hauling water for their daily needs, and a third of the population still depends on this method for water access. Upon completion, the project will supply water to roughly 250,000 residents across 43 Navajo chapters.
The new treatment plant, designed and built by Jacobs, will initially process up to 18.8 million gallons of water per day, with the potential to double its capacity. At full scale, the plant will have the capability to serve more than 200,000 individuals. The project also includes the commissioning of the San Juan Lateral distribution system, as well as operational and maintenance responsibilities.
“This plant is crucial not only for providing drinking water but also for supporting the needs of local businesses, healthcare facilities, schools, and other essential services,” said Greg Fischer, Vice President of Design-Build, Operations Management, and Facilities Services at Jacobs. "Our approach offers the Bureau of Reclamation a more efficient solution for delivering critical infrastructure, ensuring a long-term, reliable water supply for the Navajo community."
Once complete, the water project will divert 37,761 acre-feet of water annually from the San Juan River Basin through two water treatment plants built by Jacobs. After treatment to meet Safe Drinking Water Act standards, the water will be transported through nearly 300 miles of pipeline, supported by 19 pumping stations and various storage tanks.
Bart Deming, Construction Engineer and Manager for Reclamation's Four Corners Construction Office, expressed confidence in Jacobs, citing their successful partnership on the Cutter Lateral Water Treatment Plant completed in 2020. "We have a longstanding relationship with Jacobs and appreciate their commitment to quality, reliability, and proactive solutions. We look forward to continuing this collaboration to deliver clean, dependable drinking water to the Navajo Nation."
The Navajo-Gallup Water Supply Project, partially funded by the Indian Water Rights Settlement Completion Fund through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will provide safe drinking water to Navajo communities in Gallup, New Mexico, and Window Rock, Arizona. The project is currently 70% complete, with water deliveries expected to begin in late 2028 and full completion by 2029.
