A Holistic Approach to Water System Engineering

At Tata & Howard, we believe that successful water system projects aren’t defined by individual milestones, but that they’re shaped by how seamlessly each phase connects with each other. That’s why we take a holistic approach to engineering services, ensuring that every step —design, funding assistance, permitting, bidding, construction administration, start-up, and sustainability — functions as part of a fully integrated process.

This approach leads to more efficient projects, better long-term performance, and fewer surprises along the way. Here’s how each element of our process supports the bigger picture and why it works best when everything works together.

Design

Design is at the heart of what we do here at T&H. For us, design is never just about meeting technical specs; it’s about creating solutions that are affordable, highly efficient, and that work seamlessly with the utility as a whole. Our engineers collaborate as partners with our clients to better understand their system needs, operational preferences, and budgets.

Each design includes value engineering to ensure that we’re not just solving today’s problem but setting the stage for long-term performance and resilience. Whether it’s upgrading aging assets or building something entirely new, our goal is always to deliver the most efficient, cost-effective solution possible.

Funding Assistance

Securing funding is one of the most important — and often most challenging — parts of any project. Our team works with clients to identify and apply for funding opportunities such as State Revolving Fund (SRF) loans, USDA Rural Development programs, Emerging Contaminants Grants, and Community One-Stop for Growth applications (to name few).

We know firsthand how to align technical documentation with agency expectations, increasing the likelihood of successful applications. By getting involved early, we can also shape project scopes and timelines to fit available funding, saving time and reducing financial risk.

Permitting

Permitting is more than a regulatory checkbox; it’s a critical link between planning and doing. Our permitting team works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to make sure everything is in order before construction begins.

From the EPA and Army Corps of Engineers to state environmental departments and local conservation commissions, we’ve built relationships that help keep the process moving. And because we understand both the technical side and the regulatory side, we know how to design with permitting in mind to avoid any surprises, and to align with timelines for funding and construction.

Bidding

Bidding isn’t just paperwork; it’s strategy. Our holistic approach ensures that bid packages capture the full intent of the design, comply with permitting constraints, and reflect available funding opportunities. The result is clear: comprehensive documentation that not only protects owners but gives contractors the confidence to submit competitive, well-informed proposals.

Accurate and transparent documents are essential, not only to attract qualified contractors but to maintain scope and budget discipline throughout the project. At T&H, our bid packages are shaped by procurement requirements, regulatory conditions, and design objectives. With clear expectations, detailed scopes, and comprehensive technical details, we give clients a solid foundation on which to build (literally and figuratively).

Construction Administration

Once shovels hit the ground, things can move fast. Our construction administration team is there to make sure everything stays on track.

We provide on-site resident observation and regular job progress meetings to keep everyone —clients, contractors, and engineers — informed and accountable. We work directly with contractors and clients to answer questions, resolve issues, and avoid any unnecessary delays. Our change order rate is less than one percent and is most often for scope additions requested by the client, not design errors.

Since our project team has been there from the start, we know the project inside and out. That means faster answers, better coordination, and smoother delivery.

Start-Up

Contrary to popular belief, when construction is done, the work isn’t over. Our start-up services help utility staff get comfortable with their new system before it officially goes online.

We stay on-site through commissioning and training to make sure everything works as intended. Operators are shown exactly how to run each part of the system, with documentation and support to back them up. This hands-on approach helps utilities avoid early hiccups and ensures long-term success.

We don’t walk away until everything’s working and everyone’s confident.

Sustainability

The last aspect of our holistic approach is sustainability and it’s a large part of how we design and build. Whether we’re integrating solar panels, optimizing pump performance, or pursuing water conservation goals, we’re always thinking about how to reduce environmental impact and improve long-term efficiency.

We also help clients pursue sustainability grants and funding to make these green choices more affordable. Our team has experience with everything from green building initiatives to source protection and energy efficiency.

These sustainable principles guide our work from the very beginning, so our clients get smarter systems that last longer and cost less to operate.

Delivering Synergy from Start to Finish

Each of these services is valuable on its own. But when they’re all part of one connected process, the benefits multiply. Permitting supports design. Design sets up funding. Funding aligns with bidding. Bidding prepares the way for smooth construction. And construction leads directly into successful start-up and sustainable operations.

This kind of integration is what makes Tata & Howard’s holistic approach different. It reduces risk, increases efficiency, and creates better outcomes for our clients and their communities.

The Bottom Line

At Tata & Howard, we see the whole picture. Our holistic approach to water system engineering is about more than just checking boxes; it’s about making sure every step supports the next. The result? Projects that stay on track, within budget, and are built to last.

Whether you’re facing regulatory deadlines, financial constraints, or aging infrastructure, we’re here to help guide you from start to finish with one team, one process, and one shared goal: building smart, sustainable systems for the future.

To see what our comprehensive holistic approach looks like, check out the Falmouth, MA 8.4mgd Long Pond Water Treatment Plant project.