New basins strengthen reliability at Barton Road Water Treatment Plant
Jul 30, 2026
A major upgrade is underway at Roseville’s Barton Road Water Treatment Plant. Crews are replacing two reclamation basins that have been in service since the plant opened in the 1970s.
The basins collect water used to wash treatment filters. Instead of going to waste, the water can be returned to the treatment process, saving millions of gallons over time.
“The vertical reinforced concrete walls give the new basins a different appearance from the originals, but their purpose remains the same,” said project manager Inderpreet Chaggar. “The new design will improve reliability and help us prepare for Roseville’s future needs.”
A 2020 assessment found that the original basins needed major repairs. Replacing them offered better long-term value and increased storage capacity. The reinforced-concrete basins will also match two newer basins already in use at the plant.
Construction began in November 2025, and the old basins were demolished in January 2026. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2026.
“This project gives our team dependable infrastructure designed to support the plant for decades,” said Stephen Peterson, Water Utility Operations Manager and former chief plant operator at Barton Road. “It also makes it easier to maintain equipment while continuing to provide reliable water service.”
Completing the work inside an operating treatment plant requires careful coordination. The construction area contains numerous underground pipes and utilities that were installed over decades of plant improvements. Some could not be fully identified and/or located until construction work began. Plant staff, engineers, and the contractor have worked together to address unexpected conditions and prevent service disruptions.
“There are many moving parts behind the scenes,” Preventive Maintenance Technician Shane Mattix said. “Everything has to be carefully coordinated so we can complete the work while keeping the treatment process running safely and reliably.”
Concrete work is expected to be completed in early August. Mechanical and electrical work will continue through the fall with project closeout by late fall. Once finished, the new basins will help the plant continue delivering safe, reliable drinking water while making the most of every drop.
This project is one example of how Roseville is Taking Care of What Takes Care of Us by replacing aging infrastructure before it fails and keeping essential utility services reliable. Learn more at Roseville.ca.gov/withcare.
The basins collect water used to wash treatment filters. Instead of going to waste, the water can be returned to the treatment process, saving millions of gallons over time.
“The vertical reinforced concrete walls give the new basins a different appearance from the originals, but their purpose remains the same,” said project manager Inderpreet Chaggar. “The new design will improve reliability and help us prepare for Roseville’s future needs.”
A 2020 assessment found that the original basins needed major repairs. Replacing them offered better long-term value and increased storage capacity. The reinforced-concrete basins will also match two newer basins already in use at the plant.
Construction began in November 2025, and the old basins were demolished in January 2026. The project is scheduled for completion in November 2026.
“This project gives our team dependable infrastructure designed to support the plant for decades,” said Stephen Peterson, Water Utility Operations Manager and former chief plant operator at Barton Road. “It also makes it easier to maintain equipment while continuing to provide reliable water service.”
Completing the work inside an operating treatment plant requires careful coordination. The construction area contains numerous underground pipes and utilities that were installed over decades of plant improvements. Some could not be fully identified and/or located until construction work began. Plant staff, engineers, and the contractor have worked together to address unexpected conditions and prevent service disruptions.
“There are many moving parts behind the scenes,” Preventive Maintenance Technician Shane Mattix said. “Everything has to be carefully coordinated so we can complete the work while keeping the treatment process running safely and reliably.”
Concrete work is expected to be completed in early August. Mechanical and electrical work will continue through the fall with project closeout by late fall. Once finished, the new basins will help the plant continue delivering safe, reliable drinking water while making the most of every drop.
This project is one example of how Roseville is Taking Care of What Takes Care of Us by replacing aging infrastructure before it fails and keeping essential utility services reliable. Learn more at Roseville.ca.gov/withcare.