Rubicon Water System Projects
Project Overview
Tahoe City Public Utility District is investing approximately $3.6 Million in three projects to improve the Rubicon Water System. These projects help to create a more resilient water system and help improve water supply for fire suppression efforts.
The three projects are:
- Rubicon Wells 2&3 Backup Power Project
- Lower Meeks Bay Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Project
- Rubicon Tank Water Feed Line Replacement.
Learn more about each project below.
- Rubicon Wells 2 & 3 Backup Power Project
Planned Improvements
Winter access to this location is difficult and can slow down emergency response during power outages. Permanent backup electrical power will keep water flowing during power outages and is critical for building a resilient water supply.
This project will construct a building to house a permanent backup generator. The project will also install new electrical and chlorine feed lines.
Project Status - Updated 2/23/2026
Contractors for TCPUD made steady progress on this project in 2025. Construction is expected to last through Spring 2026.
There will be associated heavy equipment and construction noise in the area and possible temporary traffic controls.
Project Communications
- Lower Meeks Bay Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) Project
Complete
The goal of this project was to improve water pressure and flow rates during high-demand conditions, such as fire flows. This area was previously only served by one water connection. The project added a secondary water system connection to keep water flowing in the event of a failure or required maintenance.
Improvements included:
- 600 feet of new water mains.
- A secondary connection to the adjacent Tahoe Hills water distribution system.
- A pressure reducing valve to match water pressure between the two systems.
- Two new system meters to monitor water flow.
Project Communications
- Rubicon Tank Water Feed Line Replacement
Complete
This project replaced and upsized 275 feet of water main from the Rubicon Tank to the water distribution system.
Increasing the diameter of this pipe will provide more flow and water pressure. This ensures adequate water supply during high demand conditions like fire flows.
Project Communications
Thank you to El Dorado Water Agency for funding support for these projects.
Contact Us
Phillip Tapia, Construction Project Manager, Email or call (530) 580-6046
Aaron Hussmann, Public Affairs Specialist, Email or call (530) 580-6291