Paradise Camp Fire Recovery
APTIM is helping rebuild California communities afflicted by the deadliest wildfire in state history.
APTIM has supported Paradise Irrigation District (PID) with recovery efforts following the devastating 2018 Camp Fire, which claimed 86 lives and destroyed thousands of key water distribution structures, since shortly after the fire occurred. For the first year post-fire, emergency response efforts were prioritized. Recovery projects have been ongoing since 2021 and are planned to continue through at least 2028. Progress to date includes:
- Replaced two 1.5-million-gallon steel tanks for Reservoir B, a critical community water source
- Replaced 4,000+ water lines destroyed by the Camp Fire, including main water lines and service laterals to individual properties
- Restored confidence in community water quality for 26,000 residents
Project History
On November 8, 2018, the devastating Camp Fire, started by electric powerlines, caused extensive damage to the PID’s potable water storage and distribution system. Before the fire, the system served approximately 26,000 people through 10,507 connections. After the fire, only about 1,500 structures survived, and the number of customer connections dropped significantly. In addition, 96% of all residential buildings within the Town of Paradise were destroyed, along with 95% of commercial buildings.
High levels of benzene were also observed in water distribution systems and service lines, presumably due to thermal decomposition of plastic water meters and pipe components. While water sources and treatment plants were not contaminated, contaminated distribution systems resulted in state water bans and do not drink/boil orders. PID, in coordination with APTIM, replaced infrastructure to get clean water to homes across the community as quickly and efficiently as possible.
This recovery project involved several critical components to rebuild and enhance the water system:
- Reservoir B Replacement: The damaged Reservoir B has been replaced, ensuring adequate water storage capacity for the community.
- Almond Street Main Replacement: The main water line along Almond Street has been replaced, restoring reliable water distribution.
- Service Lateral Replacement: Service laterals to individual properties have been replaced, ensuring safe and efficient water delivery.
- Meter Replacement: New, advanced water meters have been installed to improve accuracy and prevent future damage.
- Main Replacement and Repair: Main water lines throughout the distribution system have been replaced and repaired, restoring full functionality.
Services Provided
- Disaster Recovery
- Water Infrastructure Repair and Replacement
Learn more about APTIM’s disaster recovery services.
APTIM. In Pursuit of Better.
