People Spotlight: Meet Vinoth Manoharan
Our People Spotlight series gives you an inside look at our technical experts around the world. This week, we are highlighting a senior project manager for water and wastewater from our Water business line in the U.S. West and providing an insight into their inspiration and work.
Vinoth Manoharan has 19 years of experience in water and wastewater infrastructure, including 12 years leading major initiatives from our Houston office. He specializes in the planning, design and delivery of complex water and wastewater treatment plants and pump stations across Texas, with a strong track record of managing multi-disciplinary teams and navigating regulatory and funding challenges. Vinoth also leads our water and wastewater treatment team in Houston, partnering with offices across the country to deliver resilient, community-centered solutions.
Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.
Growing up and seeing the effects of untreated water on public health and safety motivated me to become a water and wastewater engineer. I carried that motivation into my education, earning a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering and then a master’s degree in environmental engineering, where I focused specifically on water and wastewater treatment. That path shaped my entire career and continues to drive my commitment to preserving water resources for all.
Growing up and seeing the effects of untreated water on public health and safety motivated me to become a water and wastewater engineer.
What is your favorite AECOM project that you’ve worked on and why?
My favorite project is the 360-million-gallon-per-day (MGD) City of Houston East Water Purification Plant. It was the first project I was assigned to when I joined AECOM and I’ve been involved in various aspects of its design and improvements ever since.
The project began with a Sustainability Evaluation Study to assess and recommend strategies for long-term plant sustainability. Over more than a decade, it has evolved into a series of impactful improvements that have strengthened the facility and its operations. Throughout this time, I have built strong relationships with the operations and maintenance staff, and the engineering team — everyone who keeps it running. Being responsive and accountable to the client has been key, and it’s rewarding to know that our work is helping Houstonians access safe, clean drinking water.
When Hurricane Harvey hit Houston, our team’s foresight and preparation ensured the East Water Purification Plant stayed operational, keeping safe water flowing to millions despite record-breaking rainfall. Planning ahead for vulnerabilities and implementing critical improvements made all the difference. Most recently, we completed a condition assessment of the plant facilities and developed a facility master plan to address deficiencies and create a blueprint for future capacity expansion. A recommendation was made to decommission Plants 1 and 2 to make way for a more resilient treatment facility. This recommendation will provide long-term reliability and redundancy with a focus on producing clean and safe drinking water sustainably.
Throughout this time, I have built strong relationships with the operations and maintenance staff, and the engineering team — everyone who keeps it running. Being responsive and accountable to the client has been key, and it’s rewarding to know that our work is helping Houstonians access safe, clean drinking water.
Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.
I’m working on three different projects for the City of Port Lavaca, a historically underserved community. One of the key initiatives involves expanding their wastewater treatment plant, significantly improving infrastructure to support future growth and environmental resilience. The challenge was that they didn’t have the financial capability to fund the expansion.
We explored different grant options, but they didn’t qualify for any at the time. After extensive research into alternatives, we were able to secure a loan for them through the Texas Water Development Board. We applied on their behalf and successfully obtained funding, which will reduce impact and help the city and its residents move forward.
It felt rewarding to be involved from the very beginning, helping build the project all the way through and truly making a difference for the community.
After extensive research into alternatives, we were able to secure a loan for the City of Port Lavaca through the Texas Water Development Board. We applied on their behalf and successfully obtained funding, which will reduce impact and help the city and its residents move forward.
Share a piece of career advice.
Starting your engineering career strong is essential. Early on, focus on earning the trust of senior colleagues and clients by consistently showing initiative and accountability. Demonstrating a willingness to take ownership not only builds credibility — it sets the foundation for long-term career growth.