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

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CHICO, Calif.— California Water Service (Cal Water) will begin work on a water infrastructure upgrade this week that will improve water supply reliability and fire protection in central Chico.

To advance Cal Water’s efforts to continuously modernize and upgrade its water system to better serve customers, crews will begin construction this week installing approximately 1,750 feet of new eight-inch and six-inch water main. Work on the project, which is expected to be completed in May, will take place Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the following streets:

  • Chestnut Street, between West 12th and 14th streets
  • W. 12th Street, between Chestnut and Hazel streets
  • W. 14th Street, from 1406 West 14th to Chestnut streets

“It’s all about improving water service reliability for our customers’ daily needs and supporting our local first responders as they work to protect our community,” said Evan Markey, Chico District Manager. “Our proactive infrastructure improvement projects provide quality, service, and value to the communities we serve.”

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 109,700 people through 30,800 service connections in Chico and Hamilton City, and more than 2 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, commemorating a century of service this year, 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 February 18, 2026