Groundbreaking marks major investment in Placer County's water future

The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA), joined by state and local leaders, recently celebrated the groundbreaking of the new Colfax water treatment plant – a milestone investment in reliable drinking water for the foothill communities of eastern Placer County. The $36 million project to replace an aging facility marks PCWA's first new treatment facility to be built in more than a decade and underscores the agency's commitment to long-term water supply resilience, smart planning and improved water access across foothill communities. "This project represents a smart and necessary investment in the future of our region," said Josh Alpine, PCWA board member representing eastern Placer County. "It's not just about replacing aging infrastructure, it's about taking an opportunity to plan ahead so that communities like Colfax, Shady Glen, Heather Glen and Weimar have a safe and sustainable water system for decades to come." Event speakers included PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko, State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Member Laurel Firestone, Placer County Supervisor Cindy Gustafson and Colfax Mayor Sean Lomen, who highlighted the project's regional benefits and collaborative planning efforts. "PCWA's regional approach is helping more communities gain access to safe, reliable drinking water," said Firestone, whose agency is providing financial support for the project. "This project is a strong example of how state and local partnerships can deliver safe, reliable and affordable drinking water to current customers and smaller communities seeking a more resilient and sustainable water system. We look forward to continuing to partner with PCWA on their regionalization program." The new plant will replace the original facility built in 1958, which is reaching the end of its operational life. Once complete, treatment capacity will increase from 1.24 to 2 million gallons per day, with future plans to expand to 3 million gallons per day to serve additional un-served and under-served areas along the Interstate 80 corridor from Colfax to Applegate. The plant's new location, just north of the town limits of Colfax, offers enhanced safety, accessibility and room for expansion. Construction is scheduled to begin this month and take 2½ years to complete. The project is financed through a combination of local and state sources, including a $10 million zero-interest loan and $2.5 million in principal forgiveness from the State Water Board's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund delivered by the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) program. This was a first-of-its-kind incentive program offered by SWRCB to recognize water systems, such as PCWA, that have received and completed voluntary consolidations. The project is a key component of PCWA's broader regionalization strategy and aligns with priorities identified in the agency's water reliability study along the I-80 corridor. "The Colfax Water Treatment Plant is more than just an infrastructure replacement, it's a cornerstone project that supports the broader Colfax to Applegate regionalization program," said Alpine. "These efforts will strengthen water reliability, consolidate small systems, increase fire protection and create future opportunities for un-served areas, enhancing the sustainability of our region for generations to come."