California Water Service Completes Water Infrastructure Upgrade To Improve Water Supply Reliability And Fire Protection In Chico

CHICO, Calif.— California Water Service (Cal Water) completed work on a water infrastructure upgrade this month that improves water supply reliability and fire protection in central Chico. Crews installed 1,750 feet of new eight-inch and six-inch water main around Chestnut Street and Hazel Street, to strengthen the water system by increasing water flow and enhancing firefighting capabilities, particularly in drier months for customers in the area.

This upgrade was the second phase of a larger main replacement project and wraps up recent water infrastructure upgrades in the area, with a total installation of 4,850 feet of new main. Crews installed 3,100 feet of main during phase one, which occurred around Chestnut Street and Hazel Street.

“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 of the second phase, which began in February. “Our proactive infrastructure improvement projects provide quality, service, and value to the communities we serve.”

The project is part of Cal Water’s Main Replacement Program. Implemented in 2014, the program’s focus is on proactively replacing aging infrastructure, while maximizing the existing infrastructure’s life to help prevent small, manageable issues from getting bigger and more expensive to fix.

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 May 19, 2026