Cal Water Nears Completion of Chico Water Main Upgrade, Begins Next Phase of Infrastructure Improvements
CHICO, Calif.—California Water Service (Cal Water) is nearing completion of a major water infrastructure upgrade in central Chico and will soon begin a second project to further improve water system reliability and fire protection for customers and first responders.
The nearly completed project includes the installation of approximately 4,300 feet of new 12-, 8-, and 6-inch water main on Madrone Avenue and Cooks Way. The improvements are designed to strengthen system reliability and support fire protection for residential customers, businesses, schools, and emergency services throughout the area.
"Proactive infrastructure improvements like these are essential to maintaining a safe, reliable water system for our customers and the community," said Evan Markey, Chico District Manager. "By replacing and upgrading water mains before they become bigger issues and more costly to repair, we can help reduce the risk of leaks and service disruptions, support local firefighter needs, and continue delivering dependable water service for years to come."
Building on that investment, Cal Water expects to begin the new project to install approximately 3,200 feet of new 8-inch and 6-inch water main on Vallombrosa and Mangrove avenues, and Memorial Way. The project is expected to start around the week of Oct. 26 and be completed by the end of January.
Together, the two projects represent approximately 7,500 feet of upgraded water infrastructure throughout central Chico.
The projects are part of Cal Water's ongoing commitment to responsibly invest in and maintain critical water infrastructure that benefits customers and communities for their everyday and emergency needs—for generations to come, Markey said. Infrastructure investments like these help reduce the likelihood of future water main breaks and service interruptions while improving water flow and fire protection capabilities. By proactively replacing and upgrading aging infrastructure, Cal Water continues to support the long-term reliability and resiliency of the water system.
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 2.2 million people statewide through 500,000 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.
Released October 20, 2026