Due to prolonged extreme drought conditions, the California State Water Resources Control Board has periodically curtailed 100% of the District surface water supply from the American River. The District gets the majority of its water supply from the American River and curtailments are extremely impactful to the District. The District is planning to strengthen and diversify its water supply portfolio by investing in underground water storage to be better prepared in future droughts and curtailments. This project represents the District’s first well that utilizes underground water storage to store surplus water in the winter for use during the dry summer months. This approach will significantly improve the District’s drought resiliency and sustainable groundwater management capabilities. The Project site is located near the intersection of Engle Road and Garfield Avenue (see diagram).
The construction of the new well includes above ground improvements within a fenced perimeter that will be constructed at a later date. The majority of construction will typically take place Monday-Friday between 7:30 am through 4:30 pm.
Current Progress and Estimated Project Schedule
Construction is planned to start in 2023 and completion is scheduled for 2025. Below is the current on-going activities and an estimated schedule as of February 21, 2023. Check back periodically for updates to the schedule. 
- Contractor mobilization to begin on 3/1/2023
- Sound walls installation is scheduled for the week of 3/5/2023
- The District anticipates drilling operations to begin during the week of 3/19/2023
- Drilling related activities are anticipated to be on-going through the end of April
- Well development activity is anticipated to continue until June 2023
Traffic & Construction Impacts
During the initial construction phases of this project, there should be minimal traffic impacts. However, there may be temporary delays near Garfield Ave and Engle Ave during site mobilization. The District will make every effort to keep traffic impacts to a minimum and allow for emergency access throughout this project.
Well Construction Noise
During the majority of the project, the District anticipates minimal noise concerns to the surrounding community. However, we do anticipate that there will be a short-term noise impact from a 24-hour well drilling operations that could potentially last about 10 days. To mitigate the noise while drilling, the contractor will install a 16-foot-tall sound wall during this period. The District anticipates drilling operations to begin toward the beginning of March 2023.
Contact Information
Construction Manager:
Carmichael Water District
Project Manager:
Carmichael Water District
Phone: 916-483-2452
Email: Engineering@carmichaelwd.org