City moves forward with major wastewater treatment plant upgrade

Construction is underway on a $10.3 million upgrade to Madera’s Wastewater Treatment Plant, a project described as one of the most significant public works investments in recent years.

The plant, located on Avenue 13 and Road 21½, treats millions of gallons of wastewater each day and serves every home and business in the city. City leaders say the project is essential to maintaining reliable service, improving environmental performance, and preparing for future growth.

At a December 4, 2024 meeting, the Madera City Council awarded an $8.7 million construction contract to Gateway Pacific Contractors, Inc. Work began earlier this year and is expected to continue into 2026. Construction will take place in phases so the plant can remain in operation throughout the process.

The project includes construction of a new headworks screening facility, relocation of the septage receiving station, inspection and repair of the influent pump station, and rehabilitation of the plant’s aging digesters. Additional work involves replacing electrical systems, installing new yard piping, and upgrading odor control systems designed to reduce emissions from key treatment areas and improve air quality for nearby neighborhoods.

City Manager Arnoldo Rodriguez said the project reflects the city’s commitment to maintaining essential infrastructure that serves every home and business.

“The treatment plant is one of the city’s most valuable assets,” Rodriguez said. “It’s been operating since the 1970s, and these upgrades are long overdue. This work will make sure it continues running safely and reliably for years to come.”

The treatment plant currently handles about 5.15 million gallons of wastewater each day, though it is permitted to treat up to 7 million. The improvements are part of a broader goal to reach the facility’s 10-million-gallon-per-day design capacity.

Mayor Cece Gallegos said the project underscores the importance of addressing aging infrastructure before problems emerge.

“Upgrading this facility is about keeping up with growth and making sure our infrastructure can handle the future,” Gallegos said. “It’s an investment in reliability and in our community.”

Funding for the project comes primarily from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the City’s Sewer Capital Outlay account.

City officials said the work follows the recent $14 million rehabilitation of the Avenue 13/Pecan sewer trunk main, which restored nearly 3½ miles of underground pipeline carrying wastewater to the plant. Together, the two projects represent a coordinated effort to modernize Madera’s wastewater system from collection to treatment.

“This is really about investing in Madera’s future,” Gallegos said. “When we keep our infrastructure in good shape, we’re protecting the quality of life for everyone who lives here.”