Jacobs (NYSE: J) has been appointed to Yorkshire Water‘s new artificial intelligence services framework, a five-year arrangement valued at up to approximately £32 million ($45M) that will help the utility embed data and AI more deeply across its water and wastewater operations.
The framework is designed to support data-driven decision-making, improve operational performance and strengthen long-term resilience for customers across the region. Under the agreement, Jacobs will deliver specialist digital and AI consulting services, working alongside Yorkshire Water’s teams to co-develop scalable digital products that aid asset performance, operational efficiency and day-to-day decision-making.
The appointment lands as the UK water sector gears up for Asset Management Period 8 (AMP8), a phase in which water companies are increasing investment in digital and AI capabilities to satisfy tighter regulatory expectations, reinforce resilience and manage growing affordability pressures. It also builds on Jacobs’ existing relationship with Yorkshire Water.
Over recent years, Jacobs has developed digital tools that apply AI across the full asset lifecycle, spanning planning, operations, maintenance and performance optimisation, with the company reporting reductions in long-term operating costs as a result.
Amer Battikhi, Executive Vice President at Jacobs, said: “Utilities are increasingly focused on moving artificial intelligence from testing environments into day-to-day operations. This framework supports Yorkshire Water’s ambition to apply data-driven tools in practical ways that improve performance, reliability and long-term service delivery.”
Yorkshire Water has already invested significantly in its data platform and internal data science capability, and is now entering a phase focused on putting AI to work operationally. Jacobs will support that shift by scaling applied, data-driven solutions across the business.
The company supports water utilities in the UK and internationally with integrated digital, data and engineering services aimed at tackling resilience, regulatory and affordability challenges. Its wider portfolio includes providing operational technology cybersecurity for the Hampton Roads Sanitation District in the United States, creating the first digital twin of PUB’s Changi Water Reclamation Plant in Singapore, and applying predictive analytics to improve wastewater network outcomes at United Utilities in the UK.
Jacobs employs more than 6,000 people across the UK from 15 core offices and over 35 additional sites, working with government, local authorities and the private sector to deliver critical infrastructure, energy and environmental programmes.
FAQs
What is Yorkshire Water’s AI services framework?
The framework is a five-year agreement that enables Yorkshire Water to access specialist AI and digital consulting services to support operational improvements and long-term resilience.
How much is the framework worth?
The arrangement has a maximum value of approximately £32 million over five years.
How will Jacobs support Yorkshire Water?
Jacobs will provide digital and AI consulting services, helping Yorkshire Water develop and deploy data-driven tools across its operations.
Why is AI becoming important in the water sector?
Water companies are increasingly using AI to improve operational efficiency, optimise asset performance and meet regulatory and resilience requirements during AMP8.
