City makes major investments to improve water system

Construction and upgrades to key elements of Madera’s water system are underway as part of a broad effort to ensure safe, dependable service for residents and businesses now and in the future.

The city’s water system relies exclusively on local groundwater. Madera operates 18 municipal wells that each produce between 800 and 1,200 gallons per minute, serving daily water needs across the community. Water Well 37, the city’s 19th municipal well, is currently under construction near Cleveland and Granada Avenues. The $2.2 million project, including construction management, inspection, and contingency, is expected to be operational later this year and will enhance system capacity and reliability.

Madera’s water network includes nearly 200 miles of water mains, roughly 4,000 street valves, and more than 15,000 customer service connections. Keeping the system functioning requires ongoing maintenance: city crews repaired 165 leaks in 2024 and 118 in 2025, while hydrant testing and replacement remain part of routine work.

Mayor Cece Gallegos emphasized that investing in water infrastructure supports both daily life and long-term community growth. “Reliable water is essential to public safety, economic development, and quality of life,” she said. “These investments ensure Madera remains strong, resilient, and prepared for the future.”

The city maintains more than 2,000 public fire hydrants, which are regularly tested, repainted, and replaced when necessary. Four hydrants were replaced just last month, improving emergency readiness and neighborhood safety.

Recent major work includes the rehabilitation of the Loy E. Cook Water Tower, a one-million-gallon elevated storage facility. In 2023, the City Council approved a $2.92 million contract for structural upgrades, a new interior protective coating, and full exterior repainting, including the city logo. Funded through water utility revenues, capital improvement funds, and American Rescue Plan Act dollars, the project extended the tower’s service life and strengthened a critical piece of city infrastructure.

Two flagship water projects are currently underway. The Yosemite Avenue Water Main Replacement Project, one of the city’s most significant pipeline upgrades in years, updates aging pipes beneath the street and replaces 34 fire hydrants along the roadway. The project is being implemented with urgency because Caltrans, in partnership with the City, plans to begin State Route 145 / Yosemite Avenue rehabilitation later this year.

City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez said these efforts reflect a coordinated strategy. “By completing the water improvements first, we avoid tearing into brand-new, expensive pavement, save taxpayer dollars, and minimize disruption for residents and local businesses,” he said.

Together, these investments maintain and modernize essential water infrastructure while preparing Madera for continued growth. “We are taking care of the systems that protect public health every day while building infrastructure the city will rely on for decades,” Rodriguez said.