California Water Service Begins Water Infrastructure Upgrade to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Bakersfield

BAKERSFIELD, Calif.— California Water Service (Cal Water) started a water infrastructure upgrade this week that will improve water supply reliability and fire protection in downtown Bakersfield. Crews are installing 1,935 feet of new water main to replace aging pipes.

“Infrastructure improvements like this help Cal Water maintain a reliable water supply for both customers’ everyday needs and firefighters’ emergency needs, while also preventing water loss from aging pipes,” said Tammy Johnson, Director of Field Operations.

The project is expected to last six months and will take place in three phases. Work in the first phase is occurring on Service Street—the alley between 19th and 20th Streets, crossing L, M, and N streets, weather permitting. Work will be performed Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The second phase will take place between Chester Avenue and K Street; the third phase will take place between H Street and Eye Street.

“We will make every effort to minimize traffic delays during construction, and we will notify customers in advance in instances when after-hours work may be needed,” said Johnson, noting that customers can visit www.calwater.com to confirm that their contact information is up to date, along with their preferences on how they would like to be notified.

Temporary asphalt will be applied until permanent paving is completed, which can be up to 30 days after project completion.

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to about 445,600 people through 120,000 service connections in its Bakersfield District and the City of Bakersfield water system, which it operates, and 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.