California Water Service to Complete Water Infrastructure Upgrade, Continues Work to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Mid-Peninsula

MENLO PARK, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) plans to complete construction on a water infrastructure upgrade this month in Redwood City, as it continues work on additional upgrades that will benefit water supply reliability and fire protection in other parts of the Mid-Peninsula area. Cal Water is scheduled to complete its installation of 3,116 feet of new earthquake-resistant water main and five new fire hydrants in Redwood City. Meanwhile, in Menlo Park, crews are installing 5,204 feet of new water main, and in Woodside and Portola Valley, crews are rebuilding two water stations and installing a new booster pump to help improve water pressure and maintain water supply and system reliability in the community.

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

In Redwood City, Cal Water is expected to complete its installation of new earthquake-resistant water main to replace aging, smaller water pipes, along with the new fire hydrants on Oct. 30 to help provide a more reliable water supply in the mountain area with a known landslide. The work is occurring just west of Skyline Boulevard on Old Ranch Road, Henrik Ibsen Road, Ware Road, and Big Pine Road.

Nearby, in Menlo Park, crews are upgrading the water main and replacing nine fire hydrants, plus adding an additional hydrant for increased fire protection.  Work is taking place between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, near the intersections of Lee Drive and Valparaiso Avenue and Roble Avenue and University Drive. Any road closures and detours required will be clearly marked until the project’s completion, which is expected in March 2025.

Also, in Woodside and Portola Valley, crews are working to rebuild both stations east of Highway 280. Both projects are expected to be completed by mid-November 2024, weather permitting.

• In Woodside, work is being done Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the intersection of Wildwood Way and Woodside Drive.
• In Portola Valley, work is occurring Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. at the intersection of Sioux Way and Cervantes Road.

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to approximately 61,500 people through more than 18,500 service connections in Bear Gulch and 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, a Top Workplace, and a Great Place to Work®. More information is available at www.calwater.com.

Released October 25, 2024