City of Portola Water Distribution System and Wastewater Collection System Improvements Projects

The City of Portola is undertaking comprehensive improvements to its aging water distribution and wastewater collection systems to address long-standing infrastructure failures, environmental violations, and public health risks. The wastewater system suffers from excessive inflow and infiltration during wet weather, leading to manhole surcharging, wastewater spills, and State Water Resources Control Board discharge violations. Simultaneously, the water distribution system is outdated and undersized, resulting in significant water loss through leaks, frequent pipe breakages, inadequate fire flows in key areas, and potential cross-contamination risks due to the proximity of water and sewer lines. To resolve these issues, the project will replace approximately 4,780 linear feet of 8-inch and 5,050 linear feet of 6-inch polyvinyl chloride water mains, install 12 new fire hydrants and 107 mainline gate valves, and reconnect 160 service connections, while abandoning existing pipes in place. For the wastewater system, the project includes replacing nearly 26,000 linear feet of piping across multiple diameters—1,930 feet of 15-inch, 480 feet of 12-inch, 150 feet of 10-inch, 21,370 feet of 8-inch, and 22,950 feet of 4-inch laterals with two-way cleanouts at property lines—along with installing 36 new manholes and rehabilitating 110 existing ones. All work is confined to existing public road rights-of-way and utility easements, minimizing disruption and avoiding the need for new land acquisition. Minimal vegetation and tree removal may be required, and sewer and water laterals will generally extend to private property lines. The project is being managed by the City of Portola with oversight under California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) guidelines, utilizing categorical exemptions for utility improvements and compliance with state and regional environmental regulations, including dust control standards from the Northstate Air Quality Management District and wastewater discharge requirements from the State Water Resources Control Board. All construction activities will be inspected and accepted by the City within the designated rights-of-way and easements, ensuring adherence to applicable environmental and engineering standards. The solicitation number is 2630.20, posted on September 23, 2025, with a response deadline of May 21, 2025. The project is classified as a forecast, indicating it is a planning notice without a finalized contract