Fullerton Receives 20‑Year Water Master Plan; Council Sends Water Rate Study to NRAC

Fullerton — The council received the city’s 2025 Water Master Plan on April 1, a technical 20‑year analysis that ranks asset risk, models hydraulic performance and outlines a capital improvement program to maintain fire flow, supply reliability and aging pipeline replacement.

Consultant Jeff Dunn summarized the methodology: hydraulic modeling tied to demand forecasts, a visual condition assessment, and an asset‑management risk analysis that combines likelihood and consequence of failure. Key findings included that roughly half the city’s distribution mains are older than 50 years, several pump stations and reservoirs were scored as high risk, and the recommended short‑term CIP includes pump station rehabilitation, pressure‑reducing valve work, backup generator installations and priority pipeline replacements.

Cost estimates: The consultant presented a 20‑year focused CIP of roughly $151 million (including contingencies) for pump stations, reservoirs and prioritized mains, and a broader long‑term pipeline repair and replacement program that could total more than $550 million as it phases pipe renewal across the system.

Council action and next steps: Because the plan identified funding needs that exceed current budgets, the council directed the Infrastructure and Natural Resources Advisory Committee (NRAC) to oversee a water rate study and report back, enabling staff and the consultant to develop a financing path for phased implementation. Staff and several commenters urged forming advisory or technical committees to help refine policy and evaluate recycled water, graywater and other conservation measures.

The master plan will be used to guide capital programming, rate studies, and grant/financing pursuits over the next several years.