Cater Reservoir Resiliency Project

The Cater Water Treatment Plant Reservoir Resiliency Project will construct a new 2.5-million-gallon (MG) reservoir and complete seismic, mechanical, and electrical upgrades at William B. Cater Water Treatment Plant (Cater WTP). The new 2.5 MG chlorine contract basin will extend the time available for chlorine contact in the treated water and allow bypass of the existing Clear Well (constructed in 1962) for extended periods of time. The operational flexibility provides the time needed for seismic and mechanical upgrades to be performed on the existing Clear Well, along with future maintenance on both reservoirs. Construction will begin June 2026 and is anticipated to be completed December 2028. 

The Project will enhance drinking water treatment reliability and operational flexibility, increasing the overall resiliency of the City’s water treatment system. 

Previous Meetings: 

June 17, 2026 – Community Information Meeting @ William B. Cater Water Treatment Plant

May 19, 2026 – City Council – Construction Contract Award

April 16, 2026 – Water Commission

June 10, 2024 – Architectural Board of Review

August 7, 2024 – Staff Hearing Officer

September 16, 2024 – Architectural Board of Review

March 13, 2024 – Historic Landmarks Commission

May 20, 2021 – Water Commission

Q: What is the Project schedule?

• Construction is currently underway. The Project completion date is anticipated to be December 2028.

Q: What are the working hours for construction?

• Typical working hours are Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM- 4:00 PM with a few critical plant shutdowns that will require overnight work.
   

Q: What types of impacts will be expected during construction?

• Periods of increased traffic
• Noise from construction equipment during approved working hours

Q: Will construction occur on the weekends?

• No

Q: When will noise mostly occur?

• Peak noise will occur when concrete is being poured, especially during initial demo.
• Nearby residents will be given advanced notice for the large concrete placement pours.

Q: Will there be additional lighting on the site?

• Most of the work will be limited to regular daytime working hours.
• During critical overnight shutdowns, additional lighting will be used, but this will be very rare.

Q: What are the Project benefits?

• Ensures compliance with drinking water regulations
• Eliminates a critical single point of failure
• Addresses seismic deficiencies in the existing clearwell
• Adds operational flexibility
• Replaces aging standby generators, increasing emergency power reliability

Q: What will the travel route for construction trucks look like?

• Large trucks and tractor trailers for carrying materials will use Highway 154 to Foothill Road/Highway 192.
• Trucks may temporarily stage on San Roque Roque while waiting to unload.
• This summer, construction trucks will be used for demolition and removal of soil 
  *Please see the truck hauling map:

Q: Will hiking near Cater be accessible as construction goes on?

• Construction should not impact hiking. Hikers should drive slow in the construction zone, and park where currently available.