California Water Service Completes Water Infrastructure Upgrade, Improves Water Supply Reliability And Fire Protection In Salinas

SALINAS, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) completed work on a water infrastructure upgrade that enhances water supply reliability and fire protection in Oak Hills. Cal Water crews installed a new dual vessel water treatment plant – the first of its kind in Cal Water – west of the area benefitting residents, schools, businesses, and emergency services.

“Our customers’ health and safety is our top priority. This water infrastructure upgrade helps us continue to deliver safe, clean, and reliable water to the Oaks Hills’ community,” said Brenda Granillo, Salinas District Manager, of the upgrade that started in February 2025. “Meeting the everyday and emergency needs of our customers is a responsibility that we take seriously.” 

The infrastructure improvement is one of two groundwater well sources in the Oak Hills water system, which is part of Cal Water’s Salinas District. It helps treat water by removing hexavalent chromium, a contaminant that can be found in groundwater, making it safe to drink and use. This is the first non-regenerable ion exchange system implemented by Cal Waterwhich means it is a single-use water treatment method where special resin is removed once its capacity for removing contaminants has been exhausted. It’s located west of Oak Hills Private Tennis Courts and produces 300 gallons of water per minute. This is just one of Cal Water’s efforts to continually modernize and upgrade its water system so that it continues meeting federal regulations for customers.

About California Water Service

California Water Service provides high-quality, reliable water utility services to about 126,620 people through 29,000 service connections in Salinas, and more than 2.1 million people statewide through 499,400 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 1,200 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.

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Released October 31, 2025