California American Water Completes Carmel Woods Pump Station Upgrade

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California American Water (NYSE:AWK) announced completion of a major infrastructure upgrade at the Carmel Woods Pump Station/b) in Pacific Grove, California, replacing equipment first installed in 1961. The new facility is engineered into the site’s steep slope, behind an existing water tank and enclosed by double sound doors to improve sound attenuation while maintaining the existing footprint.According to California American Water, the project enhances water system reliability, reduces mechanical noise for nearby residents, and improves long-term maintainability. Upgrades include structural piers, retaining walls, a roof vault with davit crane for pump servicing, new piping, SCADA, electrical systems, drainage, safety railings, and new walkways.

News Explained

The pump-station upgrade is complete, but it did not include the two 50,000-gallon tanks beside the old station; California American Water says their replacement remains part of a future infrastructure project.

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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

FAQ

What did California American Water (AWK) complete at the Carmel Woods Pump Station in August 2026?

California American Water completed a significant infrastructure upgrade at the Carmel Woods Pump Station in August 2026. According to California American Water, the project replaced 1961-era equipment with a modern facility designed to improve water system reliability, reduce mechanical sound, and enhance long-term maintainability.

How does the new Carmel Woods Pump Station upgrade benefit nearby residents of California American Water (AWK)?

The new Carmel Woods Pump Station is designed to reduce mechanical sound and maintain the existing site footprint, benefiting nearby residents. According to California American Water, double sound doors and slope integration improve noise control while supporting dependable neighborhood water service and more attractive infrastructure appearance.

What engineering features were added in the Carmel Woods Pump Station project by California American Water (AWK)?

The Carmel Woods project added structural piers, retaining walls, and a roof vault with a davit crane for pump servicing. According to California American Water, it also includes new piping, SCADA controls, electrical systems, an underground trench drain, safety railings, and concrete and decomposed-granite walkways.

Why did California American Water (AWK) replace the 1961 equipment at the Carmel Woods Pump Station?

California American Water replaced the 1961 equipment to modernize the facility and improve system reliability. According to California American Water, the upgrade addresses structural stability, safe equipment access, and long-term maintainability while responding to community concerns about sound and infrastructure appearance in the neighborhood.

Are there future infrastructure plans related to the Carmel Woods site for California American Water (AWK)?

Yes. The previous pump station sits between two 50,000-gallon water tanks that are planned for replacement in a future project. According to California American Water, this future work would further modernize key infrastructure at the Carmel Woods site beyond the current pump station upgrade.

How was the new Carmel Woods Pump Station physically integrated into the site by California American Water (AWK)?

The new station is built into the site’s steep slope, behind an existing water tank and enclosed by double sound doors. According to California American Water, piers and retaining walls secure it, while the roof vault and davit crane enable pump servicing from above.