California Water Service Begins Water Infrastructure Upgrades to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Salinas

SALINAS, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) is scheduled to break ground as soon as next month on two water infrastructure upgrades that will improve water supply reliability and fire protection in Salinas. Crews will construct two new groundwater wells—the first of their kind in the region in more than a decade—to help increase water supply and system reliability for residents and businesses in southern and southeast Salinas.

These two new wells replace wells that have been out of service over the past few years due to declining natural water quality. They will provide water to existing customers and help meet customers’ peak hourly and maximum daily demands. Cal Water will also install 100 feet of new water main to help each well deliver water to the existing water system.

“Infrastructure improvements like these help Cal Water maintain a reliable water supply for both everyday and emergency needs, and they enable us to keep providing quality, service, and value to our customers,” said Brenda Granillo, Salinas District Manager.

Construction on the two wells is expected to begin in September or October: one near the intersection of East Romie Lane and Alameda Avenue, and the other near the intersection of Harris Road and Abbott Street. Each will be built in two phases; the first four-month phase will be a well-drilling operation, which will mostly take place Monday through Friday during normal between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. Customers will be notified separately of any work that will need to take place after-hours. After the wells are constructed, there may be several months of standby time in which no active work will be completed onsite. During this time, the necessary equipment will be purchased before transitioning to the second phase of construction. During phase two, several improvements will take place including the construction of a concrete block building and installation of station piping; purchased equipment; onsite utilities; new sidewalk; and landscaping. Phase two will take place Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Both projects are expected to be completed by December 2026, weather permitting.

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to about 126,620 people through approximately 29,000 service connections in Salinas, about 16,000 people through approximately 2,800 service connections in King City. Cal Water serves more than 2 million people statewide through 497,700 service connections. Cal Water’s purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers and communities. To do so, it invests responsibly in water and wastewater infrastructure, sustainability initiatives, and community well-being. The company’s 1,100+ employees live by a set of strong core values and share a commitment to protecting the planet, caring for people, and operating with the utmost integrity. The utility has been named one of “America’s Most Responsible Companies” and the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek and a Great Place to Work®. More information is available at www.calwater.com.

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Released August 27, 2024