Chico begins $1.8M water main overhaul near downtown

CHICO, Calif. — A major overhaul of Chico’s aging underground infrastructure is officially underway near downtown, as crews begin replacing water mains that date back to the Eisenhower administration.

Drivers navigating West 12th and West 14th streets between Chestnut and Hazel Avenues this week have likely noticed construction crews and heavy equipment. Beneath the asphalt lie about 1,750 feet of water pipe that officials say have outlived their reliability.

“These mains are roughly 60 to 70 years old,” said Evan Markey, district manager for California Water Service in Chico. “The older they are, the more they’re prone to leaks.”

Markey said his department conducted an extensive evaluation before breaking ground, weighing the risk of a catastrophic failure against the cost of replacement. Factors included the age of the pipes, the likelihood of failure and whether a potential leak could affect a sensitive waterway.

“We look through all of that criteria when we evaluate what we’re going to undertake,” Markey said.

The conclusion: The project was deemed “very critical.”

The $1.8 million effort will affect an estimated 200 homeowners and tenants in the area. Residents can expect temporary road detours, limited street parking, and brief water shutoffs lasting a few hours at a time.

Water rates have already been adjusted to account for the project’s cost, and the funding has been allocated, according to Cal Water officials.

Despite the inconveniences, some residents say the investment is worthwhile.

“I think it’s good,” said one local landlord. “Bringing in water and improving the access to it is definitely a good thing.”

The Chico Fire Department is also backing the upgrades. The new pipes are expected to improve fire flow capacity, increasing the amount of water available to hydrants during emergencies.

“It’s a little safer for our firefighters out there in case of a fire,” Markey said.

Cal Water expects the new mains to be installed by May. Temporary asphalt will be used until permanent paving is completed, a process that could extend the overall timeline by about 30 days.

In the meantime, motorists are advised to expect rough pavement and minor delays as crews continue work aimed at keeping taps running and hydrants ready.