Oceanside, CA
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The Water Utilities Department is dedicated to ensure a safe, reliable and efficient water and wastewater distribution system for all its water and wastewater customers. The City continually strives to maintain and improve public infrastructure to help safeguard the vitality of our economy and quality of life through a robust Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
Downtown Water and Sewer Phase 2
Project Overview
The City of Oceanside is replacing water and sewer pipelines in the downtown area. Many of the pipelines are in need of replacement due to age or capacity limitations. This work is necessary for the City to continue providing reliable sewer and water service to the area. The City will also be expanding the recycled water system as part of this project to meet irrigation demands in the downtown area. This expansion will continue Oceanside’s commitment to alternative and sustainable water sources. The City has also secured grant funding for recycled water work as part of the North San Diego Water Reuse Coalition. Funding is administered by the California Department of Water Resources Proposition 1 Round 2 IRWM Grant Program, and by United States Bureau of Reclamation Title XVI WIIN Water Reclamation and Reuse Grants. Construction is planned to begin in early 2026 and projected to last for three years.
Construction Activity and Schedule
Construction began in March 2026 and is projected to last until 2028. The first phase of the project is complete, and the second phase of work is continuing in the Cleveland/Tremont alley, the Coast/Tremont Alley, the Freeman/Coast Alley, Coast Highway, Pier View Way, and the Nevada/Ditmar Alley. The third phase of work is set to begin after Labor Day, and includes work on the Strand and Breakwater Way. Please see flyer updates below for more information.
Project Updates
See flyer below, detailing the current and upcoming work areas.
Downtown Phase 2 – Flyer Update
Project Map
Contact Information
The City is making every effort to minimize disturbances to the public during construction. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact us at (760) 435-5930 or DTWSP2@oceansideca.org.
Fire Mountain Recycled Water Reservoir and Pump Station
Project Overview
The City of Oceanside continues to strengthen its water independence through strategic infrastructure investments, with the expansion of our recycled water system. Following the successful completion of the recycled water pipeline along El Camino Real, we are now embarking on the next crucial phase: constructing a recycled water reservoir and pump station. This project will ensure reliable storage and efficient distribution of our recycled water resources and reduce reliance on imported water.
Construction Activity and Schedule
In March 2025, crews began construction on a 2.2 million-gallon reservoir (storage tank) on Fire Mountain Drive directly west of the Eternal Hills Memorial Park cemetery. Residents can expect minimal street closures during construction, with advance notice provided when closures are necessary.
Normal work hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Construction will be completed in Winter 2026.
Project Updates
Construction on the project is progressing smoothly and slated for completion in Winter of 2026! Construction crews have completed the main reservoir structure and the pipelines connecting the new reservoir to existing pipes in Fire Mountain Drive have been installed and tested.
Work continues on the site drainage systems and the pump station, which will deliver recycled water from the reservoir to a higher pressure zone in the distribution system. As we work toward completing the project, one of the last elements will be installation of new irrigation and landscaping along the west and north sides of the site, to be irrigated with recycled water.
Virtual Workshop
The City provided a virtual informational workshop about Fire Mountain Recycled Water Reservoir Project on March 13, 2025. A recording of the first workshop is posted below. Information about future workshops will be posted to this webpage.
- View recording of March 13, 2025 workshop.
Project Map
Resources
- Fire Mountain Project Flyer - English
- Fire Mountain Project Flyer - Spanish
- Fire Mountain Recycled Water Reservoir Project Presentation Slides
Contact Information
Thank you for your patience and cooperation during this project! Together, we are making Oceanside better. If you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact us at fmrwr@oceansideca.org or (760) 435-5836.
Mission Basin Well 2 Access Improvements
Project Overview
This project will re-establish access to Well 2, which is on-site at the City’s Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility (MBGPF). The City has several wells which draw water from Mission Basin, the City’s local source for potable water, which is then treated at the MBGPF and distributed to City residents. Well 2 has been offline for several years, and this project will allow it to be rehabilitated and maintained, to supplement the production of the other groundwater wells. Construction on the project, which is contained within the City’s property, began in September 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of the year.
Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility Sodium Hypochlorite Tank and Piping Replacement Project
The existing sodium hypochlorite storage and distribution system has reached the end of its useful life and is showing signs of wear and degradation due to prolonged exposure to highly corrosive chemicals. Continued operation with this aging infrastructure increases the risk of leaks, system failures, and environmental or safety hazards. Replacing the outdated equipment and retrofitting the containment structures is necessary to ensure the continued safe storage and handling of sodium hypochlorite and hydrochloric acid, comply with current safety, environmental, and operational standards, prevent potential chemical spills, and support the long-term reliability and efficiency of the groundwater purification process.
The Mission Basin Groundwater Purification Facility Sodium Hypochlorite Tank and Piping Replacement and Secondary Containment Retrofit Project involves critical upgrades to the facility’s chemical handling infrastructure. The scope includes the removal and replacement of the existing sodium hypochlorite storage tank, associated piping, and valving systems. In addition, the project will retrofit the existing hydrochloric acid secondary containment structure and replace all sodium hypochlorite piping within the facility that requires secondary containment. These improvements are essential to maintaining the integrity of the facility and ensuring uninterrupted delivery of clean, safe water to the community.
Work on this project is expected to occur during standard daytime hours. All activities will take place on City property, and no road closures or traffic impacts are anticipated.
Buccaneer Lift Station
Project Overview
The Buccaneer Lift Station project will replace the existing aging wastewater infrastructure located at the existing La Salina Wastewater Treatment Plant (LSWWTP) property, with a new, modern facility designed to meet current and future service demands. The existing LSWWTP was built in late 1940s and while it continues to serve current needs, the facility has aged beyond its design life and requires modernization to meet current regulatory standards and accommodate future growth.
Due to the facility's age and the cost of modernization, the City has determined that wastewater flows will be diverted from the LSWWTP to the existing San Luis Rey Water Reclamation Facility (SLRWRF), located more than seven miles northeast. The SLRWRF is home to the City's recycled water and indirect potable reuse facilities, and routing flows there will increase the City's local water supply.
The project is being delivered using a Fixed-Price Design-Build (FPDB) method, which integrates design and construction under a single contract to improve efficiency and reduce overall project duration.
Construction Activity and Schedule
The project is currently in the procurement phase. The City has shortlisted qualified Design-Build firms and is in the process of solicitation. Once a contract is awarded, the selected firm will proceed with final design followed by construction. The City’s goal is to have the Lift Station operational by Spring 2029 and the overall project complete by Spring 2030.
Specific dates will be updated as the procurement process advances.
Project Updates
As of June 2026:
The City has shortlisted Design-Build firms following a qualifications-based screening process.
A public information meeting was held at Buccaneer Park on June 15, 2026, to provide community members with an opportunity to learn about the project and ask questions related to the Development Plan D23-000012.
See Frequently Asked Questions flyer that was distributed at the meeting below:
Project Map
The City will post updates here as key project milestones are reached.
Lucky Street Water and Sewer Replacement Project
Project Overview
The Lucky Street Water and Sewer Project will replace existing water and sewer mains that have reached the end of their service life. Approximately 1,500 feet of sewer main will be replaced to resolve multiple deficiencies and to reduce the risks of blockages and spills. Nearly 900 feet of water main will be replaced to improve reliability in the system and meet required fire flows. The project will be phased to allow water and sewer to remain in service during construction and to minimize impacts to local residents. Temporary lane closures will be required during daytime working hours. Traffic control and safety measures will be in place to maintain access through the area.
Construction Activity and Schedule
Construction began in July 2026 and is scheduled to be complete by November 2026. Excavation for new pipelines will continue through September. Once new pipelines are connected and put into service, roadway improvements will be completed.
Project Map
