By Bruce Houdesheldt, Director of Water Quality NCWA
Continuing our spotlight on local actions that bring NCWA’s five-year strategic priorities to life, this next story focuses on the people and partnerships working to ensure safe drinking water for every community in the Sacramento River Basin. Under the priority “Ensuring Communities Have Access to Safe Drinking Water,” we’re highlighting a powerful example of regional problem-solving: the City of Orland’s Emergency Groundwater Resource Project.
Project Spotlight: City of Orland’s Emergency Groundwater Resource Project
In recent years, over 150 households on the rural edges of Orland were left without a reliable source of drinking water. As groundwater levels declined and private wells went dry or became unsafe, families were forced to rely on temporary measures like bottled water delivery and emergency tanks. While some of these homes were in areas that lacked the resources to drill new wells, other residents faced unexpectedly high costs for emergency well drilling—making it difficult to secure a safe and reliable water supply.
In response, the City of Orland, with support from the California Department of Water Resources (DWR), launched a comprehensive, multi-phase project to consolidate these households into the City’s municipal water system. Funded in part by a $16 million grant from DWR’s Small Community Drought Relief Program, the project includes the installation of approximately 8 miles of new water main, fire hydrants, a 1-million-gallon water storage tank with two booster pumps, and over 150 new water service connections to homes on the outskirts of town.
1-Million-Gallon Water Storage Tank Under Construction
An additional well for the city was originally included in the project scope but was temporarily removed to offset cost overruns in other areas. The city has since secured funding for the well through an Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) grant.
The planning and design were completed through a collaboration between the City of Orland, DWR, and DWR’s engineering consultant GEI Consultants. The project also required permits from the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation to construct water mains under multiple Orland Unit Water Users Association irrigation canals and across two Tehama-Colusa Canal bridges—a permitting process that took over two years.
This is more than just an infrastructure project—it’s a long-term solution that ensures safe, treated drinking water reaches the people who need it most.
Click image below to watch a 2 minute video overview about the project.
Results
- Over 150 households have been identified for future connection to City water as construction progresses
- Approximately 20 homes within City limits have been connected to date
- A new 1-million-gallon storage tank is under construction, increasing system resilience and drought readiness
- Orland’s water system has expanded, creating a scalable model for rural-urban partnerships
- The project showcases how state funding and local leadership can create meaningful change on the ground
The City of Orland and its public works team have led the charge on this effort, navigating design, permitting, funding, and construction across multiple project phases. Their willingness to take on this challenge—and to extend their water system beyond city boundaries—demonstrates the kind of regional leadership that defines the Sacramento River Basin.
What’s Next?
With construction now underway on Phase 4—including the new storage tank, booster stations, and extended pipelines—the City of Orland is moving closer to completing a fully integrated water system that reaches beyond city limits. As work continues, the project will serve as a model for other small communities across the Sacramento Valley that are seeking lasting, regional solutions to drinking water challenges.
Looking ahead, continued coordination with state agencies and regional partners through the North State Drinking Water Solutions Network will be essential to identify and advance similar projects in other underserved areas. Ensuring long-term operation, maintenance, and funding support will help ensure this investment delivers lasting water security for years to come.
State and Federal Support
Continued state and federal investment in drinking water infrastructure is essential to replicate and scale projects like Orland’s. Programs such as the California Small Community Drought Relief Program, the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Program, the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and USDA Rural Development grants all play a critical role in helping communities with limited capacity secure safe, reliable drinking water.
Resources
- City of Orland Advances with Emergency Groundwater Project to Help with Dry Wells
- City of Orland Project Updates
- NCWA: Ensuring Access to Safe Drinking Water Priority
- Disadvantaged Communities in Northern California
- Resources Available to Assist Local Communities with Water Shortages
