Reliable drinking water supply
Auburn, Calif. – At its Aug. 21 meeting, the Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) Board of Directors authorized the Notice of Completion of the new potable water supply for the popular Middle Meadows Campground, marking another major upgrade supporting recreation in the American River watershed.
“Our waterways and reservoirs provide year-round benefits, including recreation,” said Director Josh Alpine, whose District 5 includes the project. “This upgrade reflects PCWA’s ongoing commitment to supporting quality recreation while continuing our stewardship of the Middle Fork American River watershed.”
Middle Meadows Campground, a group camping location near South Fork Long Canyon Creek, now features a reliable drinking water supply thanks to the $585,000 project completed over 16 months.
According to Aaron Sullivan, PCWA’s Director of Power Generation Services, work included replacing approximately 2,000 feet of existing water line with new piping, construction of a new vertical well, water quality testing, solar panels, electrical systems, and a precast concrete utility building.
Funding
The project was funded through PCWA’s Power Division’s Capital Projects budget.
Among several infrastructure upgrades
Under its Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) license for the Middle Fork Project (MFP), Middle Meadows’ new well is one of several infrastructure upgrades PCWA is completing to enhance recreational experiences in the region.
Earlier this summer, PCWA completed the $1.7 million Indian Bar River Access Project near Foresthill. The site improvements include new and upgraded amenities and provide safer, more convenient access at one of California’s premier whitewater rafting destinations, located just below PCWA’s Ralston Afterbay and Dam (Oxbow Reservoir).
Meanwhile, work continues on other recreational sites, most notably French Meadows Campground, which is closed for the 2025 season for full renovation. In coordination with the U.S. Forest Service, the $6.8 million project upgrades include new paved roads, hazard tree removal, campsite improvements, picnic tables, fire rings, and the addition of ADA-compliant restrooms and water faucets-the campground’s first major upgrade since it was constructed in the 1960s.
At the same time, PCWA is also replacing the South Shore Water Supply system with a new vertical well and distribution piping, serving the campground and adjacent picnic and boat ramp areas. The projects are being conducted concurrently to reduce disruption for recreators.
While the French Meadows Campgrounds and part of the boat ramp parking area are closed for renovations in 2025, they will reopen in 2026. Other campgrounds around French Meadows Reservoir remain open, including Lewis, Black Bear, Coyote Group, Gates Group, and Ahart campgrounds. For reservations and more campground details, visit Recreation.gov
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