Urban Recycled Water System Expansion – Maria Drive Extension/Loop project

Update – Fall 2024

The City of Petaluma has completed the Urban Recycled Water System Expansion – Maria Drive Extension/Loop project which involved the installation of approximately 6,000 feet of 12-inch recycled water pipeline which was paired with the complete reconstruction of the existing two-lane road, including the addition of new curb ramps, signalized crosswalks, and traffic-calming elements. The recycled water expansion project will lead to 41 acre-feet per year of potable water offset, increasing water resiliency for the City and protecting local groundwater supply.

This work represents the first phase of the larger Urban Recycled Water System Expansion. By coordinating the installation of the recycled water pipeline with the road reconstruction, the City has efficiently leveraged resources and minimized disruption to residents. The 12-inch recycled water pipeline installed along Maria Drive is a key element of the broader expansion project, which aims to extend recycled water service throughout Petaluma. This phase lays the groundwork for future connections and extensions, setting the stage for increased water conservation and sustainable resource management across the city.

Here’s where the GSA fits into the picture: The original base bid scope connected the recycled water line to the existing line at Rainier Avenue and brought it to Lucchesi Park. However, after construction commenced, the Petaluma Valley GSA was awarded State Sustainable Groundwater Management Implementation grant funding, prompting the opportunity for the GSA to collaborate the city and help advance both groundwater sustainability goals and the City’s own recycled water delivery goals.  The Petaluma Valley GSA’s additional investment helped the project reach further, extending the recycled water line along the remaining stretch of Maria Drive to South McDowell Boulevard, representing a proactive step to offset groundwater use in the basin. By working in collaboration with the City’s project already in motion, the opportunity was an efficient use of public funds, too.

This recycled water project is just one of many activities that the Petaluma Valley GSA Groundwater Sustainability Plan undertakes, with a goal to provide practical alternatives that offset the need to pump groundwater.

The City of Petaluma operates a disinfected tertiary recycled wastewater system serving large agricultural, vineyard, and golf course customers, as well as providing recycled water for landscape and turf irrigation at parks, schools, open spaces, commercial/industrial facilities, and the airport. The City of Petaluma is currently working on an updated Recycled Water Master Plan as part of their Integrated Water Master Planning effort, planned for completion in early 2025. Over the next year, with funding from the Sustainable Groundwater Management Implementation grant, the City will continue to work on the recycled water pipeline expansion, with additional construction planned in 2025.

Update – March 2026

The City of Petaluma has completed the Urban Recycled Water System Expansion – Ranier Drive project, Phase 2 of the Urban Recycled Water System Expansion, funded in part with the GSA’s California Department of Water Resources Sustainable Groundwater Management Implementation grant. This project installed approximately 1,900 feet of 12-inch recycled water pipeline under Rainier Drive from Maria Drive to North McDowell Street, expanding off of the Phase 1 installation. Construction occurred in Fall 2025, and was paired with replacing the water main pipe, repaving the street, and adding traffic calming upgrades.

Currently, the City offsets approximately 2-3 percent of total demand for potable water in the urban system with recycled water. The Maria Drive Extension and the Ranier Drive project will expand the number of recycled water customers in the urban system and provide an alternate water supply for parks, schools, and other irrigation customers. Not only will this help build the City’s water supply resiliency by providing assurance and access to water especially during water supply shortages due to climate change and other natural disasters such as earthquakes and fires, but it will also reduce groundwater extraction which the City uses to supplement their Russian River water during dry years.

For more information about planning for future recycled water projects, check out the Recycled Water Planning page.