Infrastructure Upgrade on Esplanade Avenue Completed

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Cal Water has completed a significant water infrastructure improvement project along Esplanade Avenue in Chico that will strengthen water system reliability and infrastructure resiliency for customers' everyday needs and firefighters' emergency needs. The upgrade was performed in coordination with the City of Chico in advance of the City's planned repaving project along the same route. Cal Water celebrated with the City at the City's ribbon-cutting today, Aug. 31, at the Chico Nut Company on Esplanade Ave. The project, which began in January, included the installation of more than 8,000 feet of new 12-inch ductile iron water main on Esplanade Avenue, from Amber Grove Road to 11th Avenue. Crews also installed 22 new fire hydrants, 69 new individual customer service connections, and 91 new valves. Coordination with the City's project saved Cal Water ratepayers money, as water infrastructure project costs to repave the road were substantially reduced. Additionally, measures were taken throughout the project to ensure water service would not be interrupted for customers during a time when frequent handwashing has been so important to stop the spread of COVID-19. "As essential service workers, our crews worked hand-in-hand with the City of Chico on this important upgrade to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of safe, high-quality water service to our customers for their drinking, cooking, handwashing, and other household needs, and we appreciate the collaboration with both the City and our contractor West Valley Construction," said District Manager George Barber. "Our crews implemented additional, important safety protocols in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic to finish the project on time and to ensure a smooth and efficient transition of work to minimize the overall impact to the community."

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