California Water Service Performing Infrastructure Upgrade to Improve Water Supply Reliability and Fire Protection in Chico
CHICO, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) is undertaking a new water infrastructure upgrade in central Chico. Crews are installing 4,300 feet of 12-, 8-, and 6-inch water main to improve water system reliability and enhance fire protection for residential customers, businesses, schools, and emergency services in the area.
“Proactive infrastructure improvements like this are essential to maintaining a safe, reliable water system for our customers and the community,” said Evan Markey, Cal Water’s Chico District Manager. “By replacing and upgrading water mains before they become more difficult and costly to repair, we can help reduce the risk of service disruptions, support local fire protection needs, and continue delivering dependable water service for years to come.”
Crews are working Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. on:
- Madrone Avenue, at the intersection of East Avenue to Vallombrosa Avenue
- Cooks Way
The project is expected to be completed by October 2026. Customers in the immediate construction area will be notified of any brief water service interruptions required during the main installation. Crews will also make every effort to minimize traffic disruptions in the area.
Temporary asphalt will be applied until permanent paving is completed, which can be up to 30 days after project completion. This waiting period allows the trench to fully compact, helping provide a smoother road surface.
The project is part of Cal Water’s ongoing commitment to responsibly invest in and maintain critical water infrastructure. Proactive improvements such as this help reduce future service interruptions, enhance fire protection, and continue providing safe, clean, reliable drinking water to the community.
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 2.1 million people statewide through 500,000 service connections. Cal Water’s purpose is to enhance the quality of life for customers and communities. 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 June 25, 2026