PCWA marks milestone in Rocklin water main replacements

The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors approved the Notice of Completion for Phase 1 of the Rocklin Main Replacements project at its Sept. 4 meeting. Upgrading cement mortar-coated steel pipes dating to 1963, the project replaced 1,880 linear feet of 12-inch water main along Midas Avenue from 2nd Street to Argonaut Avenue in Rocklin. The section is part of a larger system that conveys treated drinking water to Rocklin neighborhoods. The project also replaced 12 service connections, tying into the new pipe, with new meter boxes and meter assemblies, installed two air/vacuum release valves and one blowoff, tied in 10 lateral mains and restored 82,665 square feet of pavement. Lund Construction Co. began the $2.1 million contract in February 2024 and finished earlier this summer. PCWA completed the project in close partnership with the city of Rocklin, which will reimburse the agency more than $239,000 for additional pavement restoration and related costs that were included in the contract. This collaboration allowed both agencies to coordinate water system and roadway improvements at the same time, minimizing disruptions for Rocklin residents. "Providing clean, reliable water depends on keeping our infrastructure strong," said PCWA Director Chris Wilson, whose District 3 includes Rocklin. "Without upgrades, aging infrastructure can lead to leaks, service interruptions and higher maintenance costs. By investing in planned rehabilitation and replacements, we prevent those issues and protect reliability, water quality and continuity of service while providing cost savings." Phase 1 was funded by ratepayers through PCWA's Renewal and Replacement Program, supported by a fee on water bills dedicated to reinvesting in the water system. Recent leaks and pipe failures underscored the importance of these upgrades to ensure safe, reliable drinking water for Rocklin residents. This work, and the phases to follow, are part of a $24 million multi-year investment by PCWA, in partnership with the city of Rocklin, to deliver a modern water system built to last 80 years. Before Phase 1 came the successful completion of Phase 2 in 2024, which upgraded nearly half a mile of pipeline between Argonaut Avenue and Clover Valley Road. The numbering reflects when each section was ready for construction. Originally scheduled for 2023, Phase 1 was delayed at the city's request to minimize disruption for residents and commuters. Next on Rocklin's main replacement schedule is a portion of water main in Sunset Boulevard from Whitney Boulevard to the railroad bridge, which is currently in design with construction expected to begin in 2027. "Projects of this scale take time and patience from everyone, including residents and commuters," Wilson said. "We appreciate the community's understanding and cooperation as we carry out these necessary upgrades." For more details and updates, visit https://pcwa.net/RocklinMain. Also, the board heard a staff presentation on the future of the Eastside Canal in Loomis. Jeremy Shepard, PCWA director of technical services, reviewed options for the 3.7-mile raw water conveyance built more than a century ago. Originally designed to supply agricultural customers, the canal serves outdoor irrigation needs for a small group of residential customers near Brace Road. For the past decade, PCWA has managed significant maintenance challenges on the canal, including repairing leaks from tree root intrusion, removing sediment and debris and addressing age-related pipe failures. No action was taken.