Project Information

Reservoir 1 Liner and Cover Replacement Project

Reservoir 1 is a 2.8-million-gallon lined and covered drinking water reservoir located at the Reservoir 1 Water Treatment Plant in Pollock Pines. It stores treated water before it enters the distribution system, helping maintain reliable service and consistent water pressure throughout the community. The reservoir’s liner and floating cover act as barriers to keep the drinking water in a clean, isolated environment. The liner prevents leaks and contact with soil by sealing the reservoir floor and walls, while the floating cover keeps the stored drinking water protected from sunlight, debris, and other environmental elements.

Why the Project Is Needed

The facility has served the community for more than 30 years, but its liner and floating cover, installed in 1989, have exceeded their intended service life of 20 to 30 years. During a routine inspection, staff found holes, ripped seams, and other signs of deterioration in the floating cover. After further evaluation and consultation with industry experts, the damage was determined to be beyond repair, requiring immediate replacement to continue operating the reservoir safely and reliably.

Together, these findings clearly demonstrate the need for immediate replacement. This also reminds us of the importance of timely infrastructure investment to prevent escalating repair needs, avoid costly emergency responses, and maintain consistent reliability for the Pollock Pines and Camino communities.

Project Overview

To complete this work, the District is carrying out two major components:

Construction of a Temporary Bypass System
This system allows Reservoir 1 to be taken offline while maintaining uninterrupted water service to Pollock Pines and Camino. It includes temporary storage facilities, modifications to existing yard piping, and upgrades to pumping equipment at the Moosehall and Sportsmans pump stations. These improvements ensure the community continues to receive reliable service throughout construction.

Replacement of the Liner and Floating Cover
Once the bypass is in place and Reservoir 1 is isolated, the existing liner and cover are being removed and replaced with modern, long-lasting materials designed for extended performance. Construction is taking place during a period of lower water demand, with completion anticipated in March 2026.

Reservoir 1 in the Water System

Reservoir 1 plays a critical role in the District’s overall water infrastructure throughout the year. In summer, it supports treatment operations by providing the necessary contact time for chlorine disinfection before water enters the distribution system. In winter, it functions as an essential storage reservoir that helps balance supply and maintain reliable service to Pollock Pines and Camino. Because of the configuration of the distribution system, Reservoir 1 cannot be taken out of service using existing infrastructure, which is why the temporary bypass system is a vital part of the project now underway.

Commitment to Water Quality and Reliability

Throughout this effort, the District emphasizes that drinking water remains safe and fully compliant with all state and federal standards. The Reservoir 1 project reflects the District’s commitment to addressing urgent infrastructure needs, protecting the reliability of the water system, and planning responsibly for the long-term water needs of the communities we serve.