Project Overview

In January 2018, the TCPUD acquired Mid-Sierra Water Utility (Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek water systems) and began operating both systems. Since the acquisition, the TCPUD Board of Directors has dedicated significant time towards understanding how to invest in and improve drinking water reliability and fire suppression capabilities within the Madden Creek water system. Initially, the TCPUD identified a high-priority need for a backup water supply and installed an interconnection between Madden Creek to the TCPUD’s McKinney-Quail water system. 

In February 2021, the TCPUD Board of Directors adopted a comprehensive Madden Creek Water System Master Plan, which recommended full replacement of the existing system. The full reconstruction project is a multi-phased project due to its size and complexity. The Project is currently estimated to cost $17.2 million. Funding sources for this project will include water rates, property tax revenue, the Infrastructure Improvement Charge, and potential grants. 

Planned Improvements:

Reconstruction of the Madden Creek Water System will take place over four phases and will include:

• Replacing 3.5 miles of water mains.
• Replacing 124 water service lines.
• Installing 32 new fire hydrants (52 total).
• New water meters for all connections.

Project benefits include the delivery of secure and reliable drinking water and improved fire protection within the water system service area.

Project Status - Updated 10/22/2025

Overview

Phase 1 and 2 are now complete. Construction on Phase 3 is complete for 2025. Construction for remaining work is scheduled to restart in 2026 and may continue into 2027.

2025 Recap

This summer, contractors for TCPUD completely rebuilt the water system within the Highway 89 right-of-way from Fern Street to South Street, and replaced portions on Sacramento Avenue and Sans Souci Terrace south of Fawn Street. This work included:

• Building 5,356 feet of 8-inch water main and 394 feet of 12-inch water main.
• Installing 10 fire hydrants in areas that previously lacked hydrant coverage.
• Installing 56 new water meter pits for future meters.

Coming Up in Future Phases

The next phase of the project will mark the completion of this crucial investment to upgrade and modernize your water system.

Construction during the next phase will focus on water main upgrades on Fern, Oak, Trout, Silver, Fawn, Sacramento, and Sans Souci.

This project will install:

• 8,105 feet of new larger diameter water mains.
• 14 new fire hydrants in locations previously without hydrants.
• Water meters for all Madden Creek customers. More information about metered billing will be coming soon.

Completed Improvements:

• Phase 1 - Installed an emergency Interconnection between the Madden Creek water system and the adjacent TCPUD McKinney Quail water system to provide a critical backup water supply.
• Phase 2 - Replaced water mains and service lateral lines in the southern portion of the system to improve water distribution and installed fire hydrants and water meters.
• Phase 3 (2025) - Rebuilt over one mile of the water system and installed 10 new fire hydrants within the Highway 89 right-of-way from Fern Street to South Street, and replaced portions on Sacramento Avenue and Sans Souci Terrace south of Fawn Street.

Project Maps

Madden Creek NExt Phase

Madden Creek Project Phases (PDF - 0.2MB)

Project Communications

2025

October 2025 Construction Update (PDF - 2.8MB)

April 2025 Construction Notice (PDF - 8.5 MB)

Media Release: Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Continues This Summer in Homewood - April 15, 2025

Media Release: Tahoe City Public Utility District board approves unrestricted cash for water system replacement project - February 13, 2025

2023

Protecting the Community from Wildfire - July 14, 2023

A Look at Meters - June 16, 2023

A Look at Hydrants - April 4, 2023

Madden Creek Message - March 21, 2023

A Look at Leaks - March 30, 2023

When Are Water Meters Coming?

Installation of water meters will occur for the entire system as a single effort once all phases of the project are complete.  All customers will be notified in advance of meter installation.

Madden Creek Reconstruction Project Funding Partners

Funding for this project has been provided in part by Placer County Water Agency and the State Department of Water Resources through the "Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014."

Questions? Or to update your contact information: Please email or call 530-583-3796.