Del Oro Water River Island District Water Treatment Plant
Del Oro Water is pleased to announce the construction of a new, cutting-edge water treatment plant to ensure the provision of clean and safe drinking water for our residents. This exciting project represents a significant investment in the well-being and sustainable future of our community. The new water treatment plant is designed to cater to the needs of our community. With improved infrastructure and capacity, it will be able to meet current and future demands, ensuring a reliable water supply even during peak consumption periods.
The construction of the new water treatment plant is expected to commence November 2021 and is projected to be completed by approximately November 2023, with operation subject to State Water Board approval. Throughout the construction phase, we assure our residents that every effort will be made to minimize any potential disruptions to their water supply. Together, we are building a healthier and sustainable future for the River Island community.
River Island Water Treatment Plant
Project Updates
Jump to: Pre-Construction Information November 2021 December 2021 January 2022 February 2022 March 2022 April 2022 May 2022 June 2022 July 2022 August 2022 September 2022 October 2022 November 2022 December 2022 January 2023 February 2023 March 2023 April 2023 May 2023 June 2023 July 2023 August 2023 September 2023 October 2023 November 2023 December 2023 January 2024 March 2024 May 2024 August 2024
August 2024
- The River Island Treatment Plant Project has been completed. It has been operational and serving our customer base since it went online in late July.
May 2024
- Full commissioning of the treatment plant and both of its filter trains at 700 gallons per minute rate was completed the week of May 14-17. During the commissioning process, it was determined that the (2) pumps used for reclaimed water needed to be upgraded and are now on order by the contractor.
- Telstar and the electrical engineer were on site during that week to test all alarms, verify set points, and control points for the treatment process.
- The training of DOWC operators was completed the week of May 21-24.
- When the new pumps are installed, the plant will be operational.
- Final water testing is continuing with preliminary results being excellent.
- DOWC and its engineers are in contact with the State Water Board District office keeping them informed of the plant’s status and tentatively working on setting their inspection date post haste.
- DOWC and its engineers are also working on a transfer plan from the current well pumping schedule to the treatment plant operating schedule.
March 2024
Final testing continues with Clark Bros. Construction at River Island’s Treatment Plant. They are working through issues such as uneven power coming from Southern Cal Edison. These final issues are taking longer to resolve than anticipated. The treatment plant manufacturer is scheduled to be at the plant on April 18th for final testing and operational training. The plant should commence operations by the first part of May..
January 2024
In January, the contractor began the rigors of startup and debugging of the $9 Million water treatment plant. The State Water Resources Control Board, Division of Drinking Water is currently reviewing the permitting of the plant. The treatment plant is currently estimated to be commissioned by mid- to late-March 2024. This estimate will be updated as the project nears completion.
December 2023
In December, the project entered the final stages of completion. The contractor started on its list of corrections needed, the Division of Drinking Water made its first visit and inspection, and a representative of the treatment system manufacturer visited to initiate start up.
November 2023
In November, the contractor paved the access road to the water treatment plant. Please check back for updates as the project nears completion.
October 2023
Throughout the month of October, continued progress was made on the interior electrical work. Conduits for future electrical work were installed. Also, floor coating, interior paneling, installation of A/C units, and painting of the interior walls was completed. The contractor also started the asphalt paving at the site.
September 2023
During the month of September, our team of construction professionals continue to make progress on the interior of the treatment building. The finished water piping to the booster pumps is back from fabrication and set in place. More electrical has been completed in the electrical room along with interior wall paneling. Floor coatings are completed in the lab/office and electrical room.
August 2023
Our team of experts, engineers and construction professionals are focusing on the interior of the treatment building. More framing, electrical and plumbing has been completed. Southern California Edison has installed a utility meter and the plant has been energized.
SCE Power Transformer installed
SCE utility Meter/Breakers installed and energized
Air Conditioner has arrived
Raw Water Interior Piping to Filters
Framing Progress
Chemical Room Progress
Lab/Office Progress
July 2023
During the month of July, our dedicated team of experts, engineers, and construction professionals continued to work on the interior and exterior of the Treatment Plant. Fencing subcontractor was on site preparing final measurements and installing fence posts. Entrance was graded was completed after the water lines were finished and tested. More framing, plumbing, electrical work was complted and sheet rock continues to be installed.
Electrical Room Progress, Cabinets Installed
Chemical Room Progress
Bathroom Sheet Rock Installed
Chemical Room Soffit Framing
June 2023
During the month of June the treatment Site is taking shape. The treatment building, electrical room, lab room and bathroom framing was completed along with electrical and plumbing. The Drywall team just completed the electrical room.
Additionally, bollards were installed on site around critical equipment.
Work continues on the interior of the treatment plant with framing, plumbing and electrical wiring on the filters. By mid-month the temporary framing around the treatment pipe was in place for rough fitting.
SCE utility meter panel in place.
Septic tank was installed and back filled.
The septic tank arrived.
Maintenance and treatment building roll-up-doors were installed.
Building Interior Taking Shape May 2023
Treatment building work continues on the interior with framing for electrical and chemical rooms.
Grading and application of gravel to the entry road was completed. Site cleanup is underway in preparation for asphalt.
Management visited the site this week to review progress. Power transformer pad was also framed and awaiting concrete.
Treatment Building Completion April 2023
Treatment building exterior completed along with roofing and siding.
The two Filter Trains were unveiled from their protective coverings.
Treatment Building Foundation March 2023
During the month of March, we experienced Inclement weather, but our dedicated team of experts, engineers, and construction professionals are working diligently to ensure all components of the plant are constructed to the highest standards. The treatment building slab has been poured and covered to prevent damage from the weather. The mechanical interconnecting piping is underway and chemical tanks were set in their locations. Treatment building is also underway.
February 2023
Progress continues in the month of February despite the storms. Management visited the site this week to review progress. During the last week of February, the treatment building site is taking shape with footings poured. Contractors are now ready to pour the foundation for the building.
Treatment building footing and slab rebar and framing were completed, inspected and passed inspection.
Treatment building trenching for footings in now underway.
The electrical conduits have been installed and trenches have been backfilled.
With storms in the forecast, more cleanup and grading took place along with the installation of base rock.
January 2023
Due to inclement weather, not much has been completed during the month of January. More heavy rain expected. The grading and erosion control measures are working as intended and the site dries out quickly. CBI focused on keeping the site clean and dewatering after rain throughout the month. Electricians continue to install under-slab conduits, while contractors work on tank piping to transfer tank.
Treatment Filter Installation December 2022
During December, Caltrans and CBI completed the front entrance including new culvert and gutter.
The treatment filters were placed on their respective slabs and will remain covered during the completion of the treatment building. Electricians continued installing the under-slab conduits for electrical. CBI completed the retaining wall
Electrical and Pipe Work and Generator Installation November 2022
During November, the construction crew began installing finished water piping connections to the storage tanks. The electrician installed conduit throughout the site as well. In addition, site preparation began for the generator that was installed at the end of the month. Finally, many tons of rock were hauled away, leaving 10 large boulders which will remain at the site.
Here you can see the finished water piping connection being made to one of the newly finished water storage tanks:
And here is the electrical conduit, bringing the various components of the site together:
Tank Completion and Lighting October 2022
During October, the tank construction crew completed the second 500,000 gallon storage tank for finished water. The electrical crew installed light poles around the site, with light fixtures to be installed soon. In addition, the crew began installing pipe in preparation for the treatment building.
Below, you can see the construction of the second storage tank for finished water.
Here, you can see the crew installing a light pole on the concrete footing installed in July.
Finally, installation of piping for the treatment building has begun. When this is complete and inspected, the concrete pad for the building will be poured.
Finished Storage Tank Construction Continues September 2022
Construction was completed on the first storage tank for finished water in September. The second tank was started, with flooring completed by the end of the month.
Tank Construction Continues August 2022
Construction began and was completed on on the second backwash tank in August. The mainline for finished water was tested and passed as well.
In addition to the backwash tanks, construction began on the 500,000 gallon storage tanks.
Finally, the maintenance building was completed with insulation, siding, and roofing.
Backwash Tank Construction Begins July 2022
Construction began and was completed on one of two backwash tanks in July. Bolted steel tank construction is interesting, because the roof of the tank is built first, then the next layer down and so on. The tank grows in height from the top down!
Finally, framing began for the maintenance building, and a fire hydrant was installed at the site.
Foundation and Drainage Work June 2022
In June, crews completed a lot of concrete work to prepare for future structures.
Drain lines were installed and covered for the treatment and maintenance buildings.
Completion of Retaining Wall and Grading May 2022
In May, the retaining wall was completed and backfilled at the site (left), and the trenches were dug for the foundations of the backwash tanks (right).
Additional grading was completed to ensure proper drainage based on the slope of the property (below).
Completion of Turnout Structures and Retaining Wall Work April 2022
In April, the crew completed the turnout structures at the canal.
They also began work on the retaining wall at the site.
Installation of Turnout Structures March 2022
In March, the crew installed the turnout structures at the canal. These structures are the point at which water will move from Pleasant Valley Canal Company to Del Oro Water Company. They serve several functions, including the ability to turn off flow, control the flow rate, and measure the water flow. Connected to the 20″ canal pipe, they will pass water into Del Oro’s 8″ ductile iron mainline, which flows into its C900 line and into the treatment plant.
The photos below show the turnout structures and connection to the 8″ ductile iron pipe:
Pipe Installation and Site Marking February 2022
In February, the construction crew installed 8″ C900 PVC pipe to convey raw, untreated water into the treatment plant. This will be connected to the ductile iron pipe which will convey water from the weir, the low head dam where Del Oro will take surface water from the Pleasant Valley Canal. The crew also completed a 6″ mainline to supply the hydrant to be located at the maintenance building. In addition, they completed the line and stub out for the future well site. Finally, they spread base rock at the site, and began marking the site for future building foundations.
Here, you can see the 8″ mainline which will bring raw water into the treatment plant:
And here, you can see the stub out for the future well site, and the marked corners of the future treatment plant building:
Earth Work and Infrastructure January 2022
During the month of January 2022, the construction crew moved or broke down many large boulders to make way for the treatment plant. In addition, they installed a culvert at the ephemeral channel for access from the main road to the treatment plant site. They built up the road from the gate to the site using imported dirt and road base, and completed the earth work necessary to begin building pads. Finally, they received materials, and installed approximately 70 yards of 12″ C900 PVC pipe from the second gate entrance to the future treatment building area.
Below, you can see some of the large boulders that the crew had to move or break down:
Here is the crew completing earth work to get the site ready for the building pads:
And here is the process of installing the C900 PVC pipe. The first picture shows digging the channel, the second shows laying the base, the third shows the pipe laid, and the fourth and fifth photos show the pipe being covered and the channel being closed:
Site Preparation December 2021
During December 2021, Del Oro’s contractor prepared the water treatment plant site for construction. They removed many boulders, placed riffraff and silt fencing to prevent runoff, received deliveries of materials, and staged equipment.
Shown below are just a few of the many boulders that had to excavated to make way for construction:
Here, you can see the riffraff and silt fencing to prevent runoff into the ephemeral channel:
During December, the 10″ and 8″ C900 PVC pipe was delivered:
Several of the many pieces of heavy equipment the crew will be using during construction:
Construction Begins on the River Island Treatment Plant November 2021
Construction of the River Island Water Treatment Plant has begun! The project is estimated to take about 18 months, with anticipated completion in September 2023. The pictures below show construction equipment placed at the site.
Public Meeting Held February 2018
A public meeting was held on February 27, 2018 at 6:30 pm for all interested parties at the River Island Golf Course Clubhouse, located at 31989 River Island Drive in Springville, CA. Approximately 50 customers attended, representing 35 households. DOWC personnel and contracted engineers presented information about the project and discussed customers’ questions and concerns. DOWC has worked with its engineers to summarize and answer all questions presented at the meeting. That document is posted below.
Click HERE to view the Power Point presentation.
Click HERE to view the narrative of the meeting.
Click HERE to view the questions and answers from the meeting.
Treatment Plant Project Public Meeting February 2018
River Island District Territory 1 potable water customers were mailed a notice on February 9, 2018 indicating that Del Oro Water Company (DOWC) has requested authority from the California Public Utilities Commission to borrow funds to proceed with construction of the required treatment plant. The notice indicates that a public meeting will be held on February 27, 2018 at 6:30 pm for all interested parties at the River Island Golf Course Clubhouse, located at 31989 River Island Drive in Springville, CA. DOWC personnel and contracted engineers will be presenting information about the project and discussing customers’ questions and concerns.
Click HERE to view the notice.
Treatment Plant Project Update November 2017
Presently, Del Oro Water Company (DOWC) owns, operates, and maintains 14 groundwater wells throughout its River Island Territory #1 Service Area. In the past several years, the River Island system has not consistently met required source capacity during periods of high demand. Additionally, increasing levels of uranium and nitrate have been observed in the water supply wells throughout the Service Area to levels above acceptable by the State Water Board Division of Drinking Water (DDW).
In an effort to comply with violations noted by the then California Department of Public Health (now DDW) in Citation No. 03-11-09C-003 and Compliance Order No. 03-12-080-030, Del Oro Water Company is proceeding with construction of a new surface water treatment plant (WTP) to treat water from the Pleasant Valley Canal (PVC) and convey treated water to the District’s Territory #1 Service Area. DOWC has purchased surface water rights equivalent to approximately 756 gallons per minute (gpm) from the Pleasant Valley Canal (PVC). With the two treatment trains included in the design, DOWC will be able to serve up to approximately 525 connections at current usage rates.
The new surface water supply will be the primary water source to meet the current maximum day and peak hour water demand deficit for the DOWC Territory #1 Service Area. The treated water supply from the completed WTP will ease and eventually replace the water supply needed from the contaminated groundwater wells in Territory #1, resulting in greater distribution efficiency and a reliable source of water for customers.
Construction will take place on DOWC property, and within several documented and verified easements. The project will consist of the following elements:
- Installation of a concrete diversion box, weir structure and screen intake on PVC to divert up to 760 gpm of raw water.
- Installation of approximately 1,200 linear feet (LF) of 8-inch ductile iron raw water mainline from the canal to the WTP.
- Installation of two 350 gpm skid-mounted treatment modules to treat water from the PVC.
- Installation of all components required for operation of the two treatment modules.
- Installation of approximately 250 LF of 12-inch C-900 PVC water main to convey treated water from the WTP booster pumps to two storage tanks.
- Installation of two storage tanks with a capacity of 500,000 gallons each.
- Installation of a 75 by 50-foot prefabricated metal building with separate office space, chemical room and electrical room.
- Construction of a 50 by 50-foot maintenance building to store equipment needed for repairs and maintenance.
- Installation of all components required for reuse of backwash waste water left over from treatment plant operations, including a 100,000 gallon above-ground bolted steel storage tank.
- Installation of approximately 850 LF of 12-inch C-900 PVC water main from the WTP to the existing Territory #1 system.
- Installation of a SCADA system required to coordinate plant operation with the various system storage facilities.
- Installation of two 50 LF 24-inch diameter aluminum alloy culvert pipes across an ephemeral channel to convey irrigation flow and prevent erosion. In addition, the site will be sloped to bring the access road from Highway 190 to grade at this location.
- Placement and compaction of an all-weather access roadway to the WTP site from the highway.
- Installation of a standby generator to provide backup power to the WTP.
- Construction of a chain link fence around the property boundaries.
New Treatment Plant Project
(Please see above for most current information regarding the treatment plant project.)
Due to the reliance on multiple wells and the associated challenges, and in accordance with CA Dept of Public Health directives, DOWC has secured rights to water from the Pleasant Valley Canal. In order to use this water, a new treatment plant must be constructed.
DOWC is in the final stages of securing state approval of the engineer plans. Once the plans are approved, a CPUC hearing will be held in the River Island area to discuss the project with consumers and other interested parties. After that, the project will be put out to bid. Currently, we estimate that construction will occur in 2018.