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PG&E Undergrounding and Impacts on Water & Wastewater Systems in Calaveras County

What’s Happening

PG&E is burying overhead power lines across Calaveras County to reduce wildfire risks and improve grid reliability. This work involves digging, trenching, and installing conduits, often in the same areas as our water and wastewater pipelines.

  • Projects are underway or planned for 2025, with more work forecasted for 2026.
  • Work occurs in streets and easements where underground utilities are located.
Map highlighting high fire-risk areas and forecast completions in 2025 and 2026 for various locations in Calaveras County.
2025 - 2026 Local Undergrounding Maps To view locations of recently completed or forecast projects for 2025, as well as areas identified for potential undergrounding work in 2026, click the links below:

10,000-Mile Undergrounding Program

Wildfire Safety Progress Map

Why This Matters for Water & Wastewater

Even with careful planning, construction can unintentionally affect underground utilities.

Potential impacts include:

  • Leaks or breaks in water mains or sewer lines
  • Temporary service disruptions to homes and businesses
  • Backups or overflows if wastewater systems are affected
A truck spraying water with a rainbow visible in the mist, under a blue sky with clouds.

How We Minimize Impacts

CCWD crews coordinate closely with PG&E and their contractors to keep services safe and reliable. Key steps include:

1. Utility Markings (USA/811)

A logo with "CALL 811 BEFORE YOU DIG" text and "811 Safe Digging Partner" around a shovel graphic.
Click to find out more about USA Dig
  • CCWD marks buried water and wastewater lines with paint and flags before construction.
  • These markings guide PG&E crews to avoid damaging pipelines.

2. Safe Digging Practices

  • Hand-digging or vacuum excavation near sensitive pipelines.
  • Protective shields, plates, or trenchless boring methods when pipelines cross construction areas.

3. Rapid Response & Repairs

  • CCWD crews respond quickly to repair leaks and restore service.
  • Direct communication with PG&E field teams helps minimize downtime.
A composite image with an incandescent bulb and power lines, both symbolizing electricity and energy.

Potential Impacts

Even with precautions, you may experience:

  • Service Interruptions Without Prior Notice
    Unintended damage during construction may cause unexpected water or sewer outages.
  • Temporary Service Loss
    Damaged pipelines may result in brief water or sewer service loss. CCWD crews work swiftly to restore service.
"In some of CCWD's service areas, PG&E has over 20 crews working simultaneously, with some crews working seven days a week on 12-hour shifts, making it difficult for CCWD crews to keep up with this large-scale project."
Damon Wyckoff, CCWD Director of Operations

Working Together to Protect Service

While PG&E’s undergrounding program improves wildfire safety and grid reliability, CCWD focuses on safeguarding water and wastewater systems. Through careful planning, utility marking, and rapid response, we reduce risks and restore service quickly if disruptions occur.

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