California Water Service Infrastructure Upgrades Underway to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Stockton

California Water Service Infrastructure Upgrades Underway to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Stockton

STOCKTON, Calif.-California Water Service (Cal Water) is working on major infrastructure upgrades, with more planned in coming months and years, to the water system that provides safe, clean, reliable drinking water to about 175,000 people in Stockton.

"Many take water for granted, although it's central to our lives from the moment we wake up each morning. It's out of sight and out of mind, delivered to our homes and businesses in underground pipes and appearing on demand when we turn on the tap," said Craig Stevens, Cal Water's Stockton District Manager.

In advance of national "Imagine a Day Without Water," which is observed every year on Oct. 17., Stevens provided an in-depth view of Cal Water's efforts to continually modernize and upgrade its water system. There are many preparations the utility makes so that Stockton customers have continual access to water for their everyday needs and firefighters can protect the community during emergencies. Such efforts include Cal Water's installation of emergency generators to prepare for power shutoffs or outages; upgrades of booster pumps and storage tanks to improve water system and supply reliability; and replacement of aging or high-risk water mains.

"We're continually modernizing and upgrading our water system to provide safe, clean, reliable drinking water for our customers and community-any time they need it," Stevens said.

Cal Water is completing projects to install approximately 43,394 feet of new water main and replace 89 hydrants in the city this year. There are currently four active main replacement projects in construction, totaling 15,610 feet of main. Cal Water proactively replaces high-risk and aging pipes through its main replacement program, by taking into consideration how likely a pipeline would leak, or break given its age, material, and other site-specific conditions, along with the impact on customers in the event of a leak or break.

Additionally, the utility expects to begin construction next year to bring a well back online for customer use during peak demand, with the installation of treatment for the state's new water quality standards for certain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). To meet the needs of Stockton customers, Cal Water uses a combination of local groundwater and purchased water imported by the Stockton East Water District. Currently, Cal Water has 25 active wells producing 33 million gallons of water per day for Stockton customers.

Cal Water's investment in infrastructure is spelled out in its Infrastructure Improvement Plan (IIP), which it is required to file every three years with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Cal Water filed its most recent IIP on July 8, 2024, beginning an approximately 18-month review process by the CPUC, an independent state agency. The CPUC will analyze the plans to establish water rates for 2026-2028 that reflect the actual cost of providing safe, reliable water service. Associated rates set by the CPUC would become effective no sooner than January 2026.

In Stockton, Cal Water proposes in its IIP to make future upgrades that will strengthen reliability, safety, and supply through projects such as:

- Replacing 88,405 feet of water main to prevent failure of aging and high-risk pipelines.

- Enhancing physical security at service area sites.

- Rehabilitating an existing well and developing new water supply sources.

- Upgrading a storage tank to deliver a reliable water supply.

For these important upgrades and costs to maintain and operate this system, under this proposal, the typical customer with a 5/8"x3/4" meter and using 5,236 gallons (7 Ccf) of water per month would have an increase of 15 cents per day beginning in 2026, followed by 12 cents per day in 2027, and 13 cents per day in 2028.

"Rate adjustments for our triennial Infrastructure Improvement Plan help fund critical water infrastructure projects such as new pipes, treatment facilities, pumps, and fire hydrants, along with upgrades for water supply and storage," Stevens said. "Even with our strong record of system upgrades, our delivery of safe, clean tap water, and our commitment to exceptional customer service, our customers pay about a penny per gallon."

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to about 175,000 people through approximately 47,700 service connections in Stockton, 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.

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Released October 8, 2024

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