California Water Service to Begin Water Infrastructure Upgrade to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Oroville

OROVILLE, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) will begin work on a water infrastructure upgrade this month that will benefit water supply reliability and fire protection in Oroville. Cal Water crews will be constructing a new 1,500 gallon-per-minute drinking water well that will help meet peak water demands for the next 50-75 years.

“This important water system upgrade will help us continue to provide a reliable supply of high-quality water both for our neighbors in Oroville and for fire protection in emergencies,” said Loni Lind, Oroville Local Manager. “Our infrastructure improvements are all about providing quality, service, and value to the communities we serve.”

The well will be built in two phases, the first of which is scheduled to begin on Monday, June 16, and will include drilling and testing the new well. This work is expected to take approximately three months, with crews typically working 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. There will be a period of round-the-clock drilling required to preserve the integrity of the well hole.  This critical infrastructure work will take place at the intersection of Bird Street and Feather River Boulevard. Crews will work hard to minimize any traffic disruptions and will be installing sound walls to keep noise to a minimum as well.

The second phase will include construction of distribution pipes and a new pump house, along with installation of fencing and landscaping. There will be a delay between the two phases to accommodate planning and permitting, but Cal Water will provide updates to the community on the schedule for completion. Crews will also help improve the curb appeal of this property by landscaping with low-water-use plants, paving, and gravel to eliminate weeds.

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to about 11,100 people through 3,560 service connections in Oroville and more than 2 million people through 499,400 service connections statewide. 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 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 one of the “World’s Most Trustworthy Companies” by Newsweek, a USA Top Workplace, and a Great Place to Work®.  More information is available at www.calwater.com.

Released June 11, 2025