New pump stations reduce reliance on Carmel River

California American Water recently activated two new pump stations in an effort to reduce their reliance on the Carmel River. The new Forest Lake pump station located in Pebble Beach and the San Carlos Pump Station in Carmel Valley allows water sourced in Seaside to be pumped to Carmel Valley, reducing reliance on the Carmel River and protecting the entire Carmel River ecosystem.

According to California American Water, the new pumps reverse the direction of water flows. Historically water was pumped from Carmel Valley to Pebble Beach. The new system reversal draws water from the Seaside Basin to reduce reliance on the Carmel River.

“This week’s successful start-up of the two new pump stations is the result of 5 years of engineering work with over $6 million dollars of investment,” said Chris Cook, Director of Operations for California American Water. “With this new infrastructure, our operations have now reversed the flow of water in our pipes to support the new sources of water for our communities and protect the Carmel River.”

Customers in Carmel, Carmel Valley and Pebble Beach were sent notices that the reversal of flow may cause some discoloration of water in homes resulting from sediment or particles becoming loosened in older pipes in the distribution system.