Our Story
Founded in 1992 by Donald J. Tata and Paul B. Howard, Tata & Howard was built on a simple but enduring mission: to provide innovative, practical, and cost-effective solutions for the water environment.
What began as a two-person startup in Westborough, Massachusetts has grown into a successful consulting engineering firm specializing in water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure with offices throughout New England. Over the decades, our growth has been guided not by size alone, but by purpose — delivering technically sound, field-proven solutions that help communities protect public health, preserve natural resources, and plan confidently for the future.
From planning and design to permitting and construction support, we approach every project with a holistic mindset rooted in sound engineering, real-world operational understanding, and a commitment to long-term performance.
Our Employee-Owned Culture
In 2014, Tata & Howard took a defining step in its evolution by becoming a 100% employee-owned company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). This milestone formalized what had long been part of our DNA — a firm built on shared responsibility, accountability, and pride in our work.
Being employee-owned means that every member of our team is also an owner, personally invested in the firm’s success and in the outcomes we deliver for our clients. Ownership fosters a culture where collaboration is second nature, decisions are made with care and foresight, and quality is a shared responsibility.
For our clients, this translates to the following:
- Teams that are deeply engaged and committed to excellence
- Stable project staffing and long-term relationships
- Proactive problem-solving driven by pride of ownership
- Accountability at every level of the organization
Employee ownership isn’t just a benefit; it’s a mindset that shapes how we work, how we partner, and how we deliver value.
Our Values
Our work is guided by a set of core values that define who we are and how we serve our clients:
Teamwork – We believe the best solutions come from collaboration across disciplines and perspectives.
Client Satisfaction – We measure success by the trust we earn and the results we deliver.
Integrity – We act with honesty, transparency, and accountability in everything we do.
Efficient Solutions – We design with operability, compliance, and long-term value in mind.
Positive Attitude – We approach challenges with optimism, creativity, and respect.
As employee-owners, these values are not abstract principles; they are personal commitments that guide our decisions and our daily work.
Investing in Communities & the Future
Ownership at Tata & Howard extends beyond our projects. We are deeply committed to the communities where we live and work, supporting initiatives that align with our mission and values. From charitable giving and volunteerism to mentoring the next generation of engineers, we believe strong communities and strong infrastructure go hand in hand.
Today, Tata & Howard continues to grow with the same spirit that has defined us from the beginning — a firm where technical expertise, stewardship, and shared ownership come together to deliver lasting impact.
Philanthropy
At Tata & Howard, we are passionate about improving the environment in which we live through our work — and works. Both as a corporation and as individuals we believe in giving back, and we encourage and support charitable works from all of our employee-owners. Below are some of the ways in which we give back, and we look forward to adding to the list.

Water For People
Water for People is Tata & Howard’s charity of choice, with employees donating directly from their paychecks and the company matching 100% of every dollar donated. In addition, Tata & Howard sponsors the CTAWWA Water for People Golf Tournament in the fall. Water For People strives to provide safe, sustainable drinking water for everyone, forever. According to Water for People, they exist for one purpose, and it’s as simple as their name: they want all people to have safe, continuous water, and when they do, their job will be done.

HopeWell Services
Each holiday season, Tata & Howard partners with HopeWell Services to provide personalized gifts to disadvantaged children. T&H employee-owners choose wish ornaments from a giving tree and purchase the gifts for which the children ask. Any unclaimed wishes are purchased by Tata & Howard’s Philanthropy Committee, ensuring that every child receives his or her requested gifts. HopeWell’s primary mission is to find, train, and support loving homes that will help children become resilient and overcome the trauma of serious abuse and neglect. Every child is given a life, education, and a road to normal adulthood.

Worcester County Food Bank
Each Thanksgiving, Tata & Howard employee-owners participate in a food drive for the Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB). WCFB is central Massachusetts’ leading anti-hunger organization distributing over five million pounds of donated food and grocery product in partnership with food donors, financial supporters, and volunteers. WCFB provides this product to a network of 138 Partner Agencies that have programs for feeding people including food pantries, community meal sites, and shelters.
In Loving Memory

Co-Founder Donald J. Tata
(1953-2017)
In October 1992, Donald J. Tata co-founded Tata & Howard with Paul B. Howard in Westborough, Massachusetts. Over the years, Don maintained the company’s core values of integrity, efficient solutions, client satisfaction, teamwork, and positive attitude while overseeing the growth of the company from a two-person start-up to a national firm with more than 70 employees.


