PACIFIC GROVE, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — California American Water has completed an important infrastructure upgrade at the Carmel Woods Pump Station. The project replaced equipment originally installed in 1961 with a modern facility designed to improve water system reliability and reduce mechanical sound in the surrounding area.
The new pump station is built into the site’s steep slope, behind an existing water tank and enclosed by double sound doors. This placement provides additional sound attenuation while allowing the upgraded facility to operate within the existing site footprint.
“Engineering the new station into a steep, constrained site required a design that addressed structural stability, safe equipment access and long-term maintainability. The piers and retaining walls secure the facility within the site slope, while the roof vault and davit crane give crews a practical way to service or replace pumps from above,” said Jenna Engelken, Engineering Project Manager for California American Water.
The previous pump station that was replaced as part of this project is located between two 50,000-gallon water tanks which are planned for replacement as part of a future infrastructure project.
“This investment strengthens the reliability of an essential neighborhood facility while responding thoughtfully to community concerns about sound and the appearance of water infrastructure,” said Josh Stratton, External Affairs Lead for California American Water. “By modernizing the station within its existing setting, we are supporting dependable water service and delivering a meaningful benefit for nearby residents.”
Construction included excavation, installation of large structural piers and new retaining walls, and integration of a davit crane with a roof vault opening so pumps can be removed and replaced from above. The project also added new piping, supervisory control and data acquisition equipment (SCADA), electrical systems, an underground trench drain, safety railing, and concrete and decomposed-granite walkways.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About California American Water
California American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, with approximately 300 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 720,000 people.
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SOURCE American Water
