Just as it’s important to plan for and invest in your home or car’s upkeep, the City of Lincoln is committed to the maintenance and improvement of its water system.

The water system is a major community asset—valued at more than $500 million and comprising roughly 300 miles of distribution pipeline. Each year, the city spends about $3 million on water system capital improvement projects (CIP), with a primary focus on replacing aging infrastructure before it fails.

Three key planning documents guide this effort:

• The Urban Water Management Plan, which forecasts future water supply and demand over the next 20+ years and ensures an adequate supply during growth and drought conditions.

• The Water Master Plan, which evaluates the condition of the existing system and identifies and prioritizes needed infrastructure improvements over the next 5, 10, 15, and 20 years.

• The Water Rate Study, which analyzes the cost of providing service and recommends fair, affordable utility rates that generate sufficient revenue to fund ongoing operations and long-term infrastructure needs.

One of the current projects is the replacement of the water mains along 4th Street, 3rd Street, L Street, M Street, and Stephanie Court. These pipes are among the oldest sections of the water system and have become increasingly unreliable, with a documented history of leaks and breaks.

Upgrading this section of the city’s water system will reduce leaks and water loss, minimize future water main breaks and service disruptions, and improve water pressure and the overall reliability of water service in this part of the city. The City of Lincoln’s goal is to replace at least 1 mile per year, with a longer-term goal of replacing up to 3 miles per year.

The City of Lincoln is also partnering with the Placer County Water Agency on the construction of the new Ophir Water Treatment Plant, scheduled for completion and operation in late 2030. Lincoln is contributing $40 million toward the construction of this state-of-the-art facility.

Additionally, Lincoln plans to add two aquifer storage and recovery wells that can pump water into the aquifer for future use. These will increase system resiliency alongside the city’s existing five groundwater wells, especially during emergencies or peak demand.

By proactively identifying and fixing issues in the water system, the city of Lincoln prevents them from becoming major leaks or service disruptions that could affect residents. Consistent, planned maintenance helps extend the life of the city’s infrastructure, reduce water loss, and deliver dependable, high-quality water service to every home and business in our community.

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