Cal Water Completes Largest Water Infrastructure Improvement Project to Date to Support Palos Verdes Peninsula Customers

Rhea-AI Summary

California Water Service (CWT) has successfully completed the Palos Verdes Peninsula Water Reliability Project, marking the largest water infrastructure upgrade in its history. This extensive project involved over 15 years of planning and 7 miles of new pipeline installation, enhancing the reliability of water service for residents and firefighters. The upgrade includes a second pump station aimed at preventing service outages during natural disasters. Serving approximately 2 million people, CWT emphasizes the vital role of this project amid challenges like climate change and wildfires.

Positive

• Successful completion of the largest water infrastructure upgrade in company history.
• Enhanced reliability of drinking water service for residents and emergency services.
• Addition of a second pump station improving service resilience during emergencies.
• Critical upgrades effectively maintained water service during recent power outages.

Negative

• None.

TORRANCE, Calif., Oct. 13, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- After more than 15 years of planning, two years of construction, and months of testing, California Water Service (Cal Water) has completed the utility’s largest water infrastructure upgrade in company history. Known as the Palos Verdes Peninsula Water Reliability Project, the project enhances the reliability of the drinking water infrastructure on the Palos Verdes Peninsula and will help ensure that all Peninsula residents and firefighters continue to have safe, reliable water service for their everyday and emergency needs.

Prior to the project’s completion, 90% of the Palos Verdes Peninsula was served by one 60-year-old drinking water pipeline and a single pump station. The project replaced a portion of the existing water pipeline and added a second pipeline to deliver drinking water to homes and businesses. In total, crews installed about seven miles of new pipeline. Additionally, the project added a second pump station on a separate electrical grid that will help guard against the risk of prolonged water service outages caused by disruptions such as natural disasters.

“We greatly appreciate the patience and support of the residents, city officials, and community partners who made this project possible,” said Martin A. Kropelnicki, Cal Water President and CEO. “This important infrastructure improvement will help us continue to fulfill our promise to deliver quality, service, and value to our customers on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, both now and for many years to come.”

During recent rotating power outages, the new water pipeline and pump station were critical to maintaining water service to residents and businesses and helped prevent major water service interruptions during some of the hottest days of the year.

“As California grapples with climate change, earthquakes, and wildfires, this new water infrastructure is already delivering on its promise – to help ensure Peninsula residents and firefighters have the safe, high-quality water they need, when they need it,” Kropelnicki said. “Reliable water service has never been more essential, and we are pleased that this critical upgrade is helping ensure the Peninsula is better prepared for the future.”

Cal Water serves approximately 313,400 people through 87,900 service connections in its Rancho Dominguez District and another 44,600 people through an operations and maintenance contract with the City of Hawthorne. Company-wide, Cal Water serves about 2 million people through 489,600 service connections in California. The utility has provided water service in the area since 1927. Additional information may be obtained online at www.calwater.com.

Contact:	DAN ARMENDARIZ, (310) 257-1400
	YVONNE KINGMAN, (310) 257-1434

FAQ

What is the Palos Verdes Peninsula Water Reliability Project by CWT?

It's the largest water infrastructure upgrade in CWT's history, aimed at enhancing water service reliability.

How many miles of pipeline were installed in the CWT project?

Approximately seven miles of new pipeline were installed.

What challenges does the new CWT infrastructure address?

It addresses challenges like climate change, earthquakes, and wildfires.

How does this project affect water service reliability for CWT customers?

The project significantly enhances the reliability of water service during emergencies.

How many people does California Water Service serve?

CWT serves about 2 million people through 489,600 service connections in California.