California Water Service Completes Water Infrastructure Upgrade to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Mid-Peninsula

MENLO PARK, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) has completed work on a water infrastructure upgrade in the northeast Portola Valley area that will enhance water supply reliability and fire protection to the Ladera community. As part of the project, Cal Water installed 1,300 feet of new water main, just south of Interstate 280 and east of Alpine Drive.

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

The project, which began in August 2024 and was recently completed, will help provide additional routes of water supply to the Ladera water system, which is divided into three pressure zones. The new improvements will allow water to traverse the elevational differences in Ladera with more reliable pathways, increasing the availability of water during an emergency. Temporary asphalt has been applied until permanent paving is completed.

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 the Bear Gulch District 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 February 21, 2025