Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project
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 3/27/2025
Overview
Phase 1 and 2 are now complete. Phase 3 is scheduled for construction in 2025. Design is underway for Phase 4 with construction planned for 2026.
Phase 3
Contractors for TCPUD are planning in April to begin work on Phase Three of the Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project to:
- Build 5,356 feet of 8-inch water main and 394 feet of 12-inch water main.
- Install 10 fire hydrants.
- Install 56 new water meter pits for future meters.
This phase will completely rebuild the system within the Highway 89 right of way from Fern Street to South Street, and replace portions on Sacramento Avenue and Sans Souci Terrace south of Fawn Street.
When
Construction is scheduled to begin with tree removal on April 20th and last through Fall 2025.
What to Expect
A number of trees along the highway will be removed at the start of the project due to conflict with the new water main location.
Expect construction noise and temporary traffic controls. Work will move through the area in small sections, with impacts lasting about 2–3 days per location.
Access to properties will be maintained, though brief restrictions may occur. Crews will work to minimize disruptions.
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.
- Project Maps
Phase 3 Map
Click image to enlarge in new tab.
- Project Communications
April 2025 Construction Notice (PDF - 8.5 MB)
Tahoe City Public Utility District board approves unrestricted cash for water system replacement project - February 13, 2025
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.