TUD is proposing to construct and operate the proposed Project on 46-acres near Twain Harte, California in unincorporated Tuolumne County. The first phase of the proposed Project (the subject of analysis in the IS/MND) involves construction and operation of a water treatment facility with an initial operational capacity of 3 million gallons per day (mgd). The proposed Project water treatment facilities include a new 25-acre-foot-capacity raw water reservoir, a raw water pump station, filter building, sludge handling equipment and electrical structures, water conveyance pipelines, a stormwater detention basin, as well as new recreational trails and amenities. New water transmission pipelines would be installed offsite (within roadways and other public rights of way) to convey treated water to existing TUD facilities.
Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility Project Overview
Project UPdates
SIERRA PINES REGIONAL WATER TREATMENT FACILITY PROJECT UPDATE – AUGUST 2026
We are pleased to share another progress update on the Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility, a transformative regional surface water treatment project that will enhance water reliability, operational efficiency, and the long-term sustainability of TUD’s water system. Recent work has included timber harvesting, biological and cultural surveys, rough grading and reservoir excavation, design development, and preparation of key engineering documents.
Since our June groundbreaking ceremony, significant progress has been made on both site preparation and project design. Over the past several months, TUD crews have begun and made significant progress on the rough grading for the 25-acre-foot reservoir, emergency helicopter landing pad, and the treatment facility pad located north of the main canal.
A notable feature of the project is the dedicated helipad, which will enhance regional emergency response capabilities. Designed to support wildfire response, medical evacuations, and other critical public safety operations, the helipad will provide rapid aerial access when it is needed most. Integrating this resource into the project strengthens community resilience while expanding the long-term benefits of the facility beyond water infrastructure alone.
At the same time, TUD’s Engineering team continues to advance the design phase of this major project. The 30% design plan set is complete, while work is progressing on the Preliminary Design Report, facility layouts, and pump station configurations.
Like any large infrastructure project, construction has presented challenges. The project team continues to navigate site soils, groundwater conditions, environmental protection requirements, equipment availability, and earthwork balancing needs. Despite these challenges, the project has maintained a strong safety record and has continued to move forward successfully and ahead of schedule. Environmental protection measures remain a top priority, while grading activities, quality assurance testing, and public outreach efforts continue to support overall project progress.
Looking ahead, key milestones anticipated through 2026 include:
- Selection of an electrical designer
- Procurement of essential equipment and materials
- Completion of rough grading activities
- Advancement to the 60% design phase
The project remains in its early stages, with major facility construction anticipated to begin in 2027 following completion of design and preliminary underground infrastructure work.
District staff shared a progress report presentation with the Tuolumne Utilities District Board of Directors on August 25, 2026, which included project photos, progress highlights, and an updated project timeline. This report can be viewed here: August 2026 – Progress Report.
As work on the project continues, TUD will keep the community informed through regular updates. We appreciate your continued interest and support as this important regional project moves forward.
TUOLUMNE UTILITIES DISTRICT TO HOST GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY FOR SIERRA PINES REGIONAL WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) will host a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. to mark the official start of construction on the Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility, a major investment in the region’s water infrastructure.
The ceremony will take place at the project site located at 23908 South Fork Road, Twain Harte, CA, and will feature brief remarks from District leadership, project partners, and community representatives, followed by a ceremonial groundbreaking with participating officials.
The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility is a transformative project designed to modernize and strengthen TUD’s water system by consolidating multiple aging treatment facilities into a single, state-of-the-art regional facility. Once complete, the facility will improve water quality, enhance system reliability, and increase operational efficiency, while supporting long-term resilience during drought conditions and emergencies.
The project is being funded through a $45.6 million funding package provided by the State of California through the State Water Resources Control Board, including $27.4 million in grant funding, a $10 million zero-interest loan, and an $8.1 million low-interest loan.
“We are incredibly grateful to the State of California and the State Water Board for their partnership and investment in this community,” said Don Perkins, TUD General Manager. “This funding allows us to move forward with a once-in-a-generation project that will strengthen our water system, improve reliability, and better serve our customers for decades to come.”
The groundbreaking ceremony marks the transition from years of planning and funding efforts into the construction phase of a project that will provide long-term benefits to customers throughout the community.
For more information about the Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility, visit Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility Project – TUD.
TUD appreciates your support and patience as we advance this pivotal project. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at (209) 532-5536.
TUOLUMNE UTILITIES DISTRICT – SIERRA PINES REGIONAL WATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY PROJECT UPDATE AND ANNOUNCEMENT OF PUBLIC MEEETING
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is pleased to share exciting updates regarding the Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility (WTF) Project, an initiative that will significantly enhance water reliability and quality for the TUD service area.
TUD will host a public meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM at the Sierra Pines Project Site, 23908 S. Fork Rd., Twain Harte, CA (please see attached map for additional details). District staff will be available to provide project details, review the anticipated construction schedule and activities, explain what residents can expect during the process, identify which areas of the property will be temporarily restricted for safety reasons, and respond to questions from community members. While some planning and surveying activities can already be seen on site, construction activities may begin as early as June 2026. Schedules may change as design work progresses. At this time, residents can expect initial grading for an access road and the installation of a temporary bridge over the Main Tuolumne Canal to take place in June or July. Timber harvest operations will begin shortly thereafter, followed by excavation of the reservoir in Fall 2026. Construction is expected to continue through 2028. TUD remains committed to minimizing noise, traffic impacts, and other disruptions to nearby residents throughout the construction period.
While this will be the last letter mailed to residents in the area, neighbors can stay informed and engaged, by subscribing to our Sierra Pines Regional WTF Project page for updates. By signing up, you will receive news, progress reports, and notifications about construction activities. Please visit https://tudwater.com/tud-project/sierra-pines/ to subscribe and stay connected. We will use this subscription list for any updates regarding construction activities in the future.
TUD appreciates your support and patience as we advance this pivotal project. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at (209) 532-5536.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS:
- Image below details directions to the Sierra Pines Project Public Meeting taking place on Wednesday, May 27th at 5:00 PM. The meeting site is located on a private drive off South Fork Rd. There is additional parking available at “The Ditch & Flumes” indicated on the map.
- It is recommended that attendees wear comfortable walking shoes. There will be minimal seating available and TUD welcomes individuals to bring chairs if they wish.
TUOLUMNE UTILITIES DISTRICT- SIERRA PINES REGIONAL WATER TREATMENT FACILITY PROJECT UPDATE
Tuolumne Utilities District (TUD) is pleased to share exciting updates regarding the Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility (WTF) Project, an initiative that will significantly enhance water reliability and quality for the TUD service area.
TUD has selected Kiewit, a highly respected and trusted design builder, to lead the design and construction of this state-of-the-art facility. Our team is confident in Kiewit’s expertise and is committed to ensuring that the project is carefully planned and executed while being mindful of its potential impacts on the surrounding community.
Various construction activities could begin as early as the fall of 2025; however, timelines are subject to change as the design becomes more defined. In any case, TUD will make every effort to minimize noise and disruptions during the construction period.
We understand that residents living near the project site may have questions or concerns. To keep our neighbors informed and engaged, we invite you to subscribe for updates on the Sierra Pines Regional WTF Project. By signing up, you will receive news, progress reports, and notifications about construction activities. Please visit https://tudwater.com/tud-project/sierra-pines/ to subscribe and stay connected. We will use this subscription list to send updates regarding construction activities in the future.
TUD appreciates your support and patience as we move forward with this pivotal project. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please contact us at [email protected] or by phone at (209) 532-5536.
TUOLUMNE UTILITIES DISTRICT RECEIVES $45.6 MILLION FUNDING AWARD FOR SIERRA PINES REGIONAL WATER TREATMENT FACILITY
Tuolumne Utilities District is excited to announce the receipt of a $45.6 million grant/loan award from the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) Division of Financial Assistance. This significant funding will facilitate the construction of a state-of-the-art 3 million gallons per day (mgd) regional water treatment facility at Sierra Pines in Twain Harte.
The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility (WTF) Consolidation Project presents an exceptional opportunity for TUD to consolidate up to six of its aging surface water treatment plants. This groundbreaking initiative will replace the Cedar Ridge, Crystal Falls, Lakewood, Phoenix Lake Park, Ponderosa Hills, and Scenic View Water Treatment Plants and each’s associated facilities and will utilize proven, advanced technology to ensure enhanced reliability and superior water quality for TUD customers. Additionally, the new WTF aims to streamline operations and enhance water treatment capabilities in the district’s service area by integrating various other TUD water facilities in the future.
TUD and its predecessors have consolidated several water systems in Tuolumne County over the years. The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility aims to integrate many of these smaller, often outdated water treatment plants into a regional, modernized facility. This centralization will result in direct and indirect cost savings for both the district and its customers over time. Centralized facilities are inherently more efficient, leading to reduced operating expenses and improved maintenance capabilities. The Sierra Pines Regional WTF will incorporate advanced technologies and standardized procedures, ensuring superior treatment methods, consistent quality control, and significant environmental advantages which include a reduced environmental footprint and optimized use of resources.
“The approval of the $45.6 million funding is a monumental step forward for Tuolumne Utilities District,” stated Jeff Kerns, Board President. “This project not only exemplifies our commitment to providing high-quality water services but also reflects our strategic vision of consolidating and modernizing our water treatment infrastructure.”
The newly designed facility has an initial treatment capacity of 3 mgd and is built to accommodate future growth, allowing for expansion up to 5 mgd. This flexibility will support the eventual consolidation of additional water treatment plants, including the Monte Grande Water Treatment Plant and Tuolumne Water Treatment Plant.
The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility will be constructed on 46 acres at the former Sierra Pines golf course site, which includes the creation of a 25-acre-foot raw water reservoir. This reservoir will provide additional water storage during ditch outages, periods of drought and emergencies.
The SWRCB funding award which includes $27.4 million grant, $10 million zero interest loan, and $8.1 million low-interest loan, is the culmination of many years of sustained effort and is consistent with the TUD Board’s adopted budgets, capital improvement plans, and Strategic Plan. The funding agreement is one of the largest grant awards issued by the State through the California Drinking Water State Revolving Fund and represents the State’s strong commitment to water system consolidation, affordability, and reliability.
Don Perkins, TUD General Manager, expressed his gratitude for the funding package, stating, “This funding represents a significant achievement in what has so far been a 16-year-long endeavor, positioning the district to fully implement its long-term water system consolidation vision. The Sierra Pines Regional Water Treatment Facility will be a cornerstone of our water infrastructure, and we are excited to begin this transformative project. Much work remains ahead, but we extend our deepest thanks to all who have contributed to reaching this milestone and to those who will help make this pivotal project a reality.”
“Consolidation of multiple systems is a proven strategy to instill resiliency in California’s drinking water systems,” said Joe Karkoski, SWRCB Deputy Director, and head of the Division of Financial Assistance. “TUD’s customers have benefited for decades from having their disparate water systems under a unified management and governance structure. With the Sierra Pines plant, TUD continues its laudable efforts to physically tie together these systems, significantly improving their ability to address current and future water supply challenges.”
The district extends its heartfelt appreciation to the diverse group of stakeholders who have generously supported the Sierra Pines Regional WTF project and extends special thanks to the Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians, Congressman Tom McClintock, the Tuolumne County Board of Supervisors, former acting Forest Supervisor Elizabeth Martinez, former California State Senator Andreas Borgeas, and former California State Assemblyman Frank Bigelow.
Construction of the Sierra Pines Regional WTF is expected to commence to commence as early as 2026 and is slated for completion by 2029. Further updates and progress reports will be provided to the public as the project advances.