Lincoln Partnership Helps Advance Regional Water Capacity
Auburn, Calif. – The PCWA Board of Directors recently celebrated a historic milestone by awarding the construction contract for the Ophir Water Treatment Plant (Ophir), advancing one of PCWA's largest water infrastructure investments into its construction phase and marking a major step forward in expanding long-term water reliability for western Placer County.
The Board awarded the $170.5 million contract to the locally-based W.M. Lyles Co., the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Construction is expected to begin in October 2026, with the facility expected to be operational in 2030.
The project received five bids from prequalified contractors through a competitive procurement process designed to ensure bidders had the financial strength and technical experience required for a project of this size and complexity.
10- 30 Million Gallons Per Day
The Ophir plant will initially add 10 million gallons per day (MGD) of treated water capacity, helping meet growing demand while strengthening the reliability, flexibility and resilience of PCWA's Western Water System. The facility was master planned for 30 MGD, while underground pipelines have been designed to accommodate up to 60 MGD should future regional needs ever require it.
"The Ophir project is a reminder that reliable water doesn't happen by chance," said PCWA General Manager Andy Fecko. "It's the result of generations of planning, investment and stewardship, and it builds on that legacy by strengthening the systems our communities depend on."
Funding
The project also reflects PCWA's longstanding partnership with the City of Lincoln. Under a 2023 funding agreement, Lincoln made an upfront investment in the future plant's treatment capacity, helping reduce borrowing costs and ensuring both agencies can meet long-term water needs while strengthening regional interties with the cities of Lincoln and Roseville.
Ultimately, funding comes from Water Connection Charges, which are developer-paid fees that fund infrastructure needed to accommodate growth, helping ensure that growth pays for growth, not existing customer water rates. The total project cost is currently estimated at approximately $206 million, below the Board-approved project budget of $230 million.
"This project reflects years of thoughtful planning, strong regional partnerships and financial stewardship," said PCWA Board Director Primo Santini. "Bringing those pieces together made this investment feasible and allowed us to move forward at the right time. This critical infrastructure will benefit residents and customers throughout western Placer while supporting the region's future growth."
Together with the new Colfax Water Treatment Plant currently under construction, the Ophir plant represents one of PCWA's most significant water infrastructure investments in decades.
Today's contract award represents another milestone in a long-running regional investment that traces its roots to the development of the Middle Fork American River Project and PCWA's vision to put its American River water rights to beneficial use for the communities of western Placer County. PCWA has spent nearly three decades building the infrastructure needed to make the plant possible.
Over that time, the Agency completed a series of major infrastructure projects that strengthened the regional water system while laying the groundwork for Ophir, including the Ophir Road Pump Station, Auburn Tunnel Outlet Modifications, Ophir Road Pipelines, site grading and utility improvements, and the Foothill Raw Water Pipeline. Each project delivered immediate operational benefits while advancing the long-term vision for the new treatment plant.
As regional water demands increased and partnerships expanded, construction of the facility became necessary to meet projected water needs by 2030.
While the primary purpose of the new plant is to provide the additional treatment capacity needed to serve future customers, it will also help strengthen the overall performance of PCWA's existing water system.
Once operational, Ophir will work in tandem with PCWA's Foothill plant in Newcastle and Sunset plant in Rocklin, adding treatment capacity in time to meet projected demand. The additional capacity will strengthen system redundancy, improve operational flexibility, and extend the annual construction window for essential rehabilitation work at the Foothill facility during lower-demand months.
Together with PCWA's reservoirs, pump stations, pipelines, and existing treatment facilities, Ophir will help ensure western Placer has the infrastructure needed to provide safe, reliable water for generations to come.