This summer, Environmental Utilities staff took on one of the most challenging projects at the Dry Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant and delivered impressive results while saving the community upwards of $1.6 million.
Everyday activities like taking a shower, washing dishes, or running a load of laundry send water down the drain. That water flows to one of two regional wastewater treatment plants, including Dry Creek, where it is cleaned, treated, and safely returned to the environment.
Crews built a temporary system powerful enough to move more than 80 million gallons of wastewater -- all to keep things flowing while repairs were made to an underground pipe.
At Dry Creek, a massive underground pipe that carries all incoming wastewater into the plant needed urgent repairs, along with an aging valve that controls the flow. Both had been in service for more than 35 years and were failing.
When the project was put out for bid, the only proposal came back at more than $2.2 million, twice the expected cost. Rather than accept that figure, the Wastewater Collections and Environmental Utilities Maintenance teams stepped up and asked, What if we do this ourselves?
When I first heard we would be doing this work ourselves, I knew it was going to be a massive undertaking. But I also felt confident because of the leadership we had in place. Superintendent Dan Pruden’s knowledge and experience gave everyone confidence that we could pull it off, and with the support of our supervisors and teammates, we knew we had the skills and determination to make it happen.
Dezi Gutierrez
Sr. Maintenance Worker
What the crews accomplished
- Built a temporary system that safely pumped more than 80 million gallons of wastewater around the pipe over 10 days. The bypass system was monitored 24 hours a day, seven days a week, until the work was complete.
- Cleaned and repaired the pipe, then added a protective lining to extend its life for decades.
- Replaced the failing valve inside the junction box with a new one to keep operations reliable. To make it work, crews built a 280 foot pipe bridge from the levee up to the plant’s second floor.
Before: After more than 35 years of continuous service, the massive pope showed significant wear and deterioration, requiring critical repairs.
The toughest part for me personally was stepping into a leadership role unexpectedly. My peer Ike was slated to lead the project, but due to unforeseen circumstances, he was not able to be present. That meant I had to step up quickly, get up to speed on day one, and learn the plan while keeping everything moving forward. I leaned on the team, asked questions, and we refused to let setbacks slow us down.
Dezi Gutierrez
Sr. Maintenance Worker
The project was completed safely, on schedule, and at a total cost of $506,500. By doing the work themselves, staff saved more than $1.6 million for Roseville ratepayers and regional partners, Placer County and the South Placer Municipal Utilities District.
After: The pipe was fully repaired and reinforced with a protective coating designed to extend its lifespan for years to come.
Why it matters
This project shows the power of teamwork and creativity. By relying on their own skills and determination, Environmental Utilities staff turned a high cost, high risk project into a success story that benefits the entire community.
When we first heard about the size and scope of the project, we agreed that to get this done safely and efficiently, it would require planning, coordination, prep work, and skills. It was great to see everyone embrace the challenge. At the end, it was rewarding to be recognized as one of the only utilities in the state that would even consider a project of this magnitude. It highlighted the extensive and diverse skill sets of all the crews involved.
Ricardo Ortiz
Sr. Preventative Maintenance Technician
It wasn’t just about fixing a pipe; it was about pushing boundaries. This project tested our problem-solving, showcased the depth of expertise within our crews, and demonstrated what’s possible when innovation meets determination. The result is a stronger, more resilient system that will serve our community for decades to come.
Taking on a project like this in house shows the pride our staff have in their work. It was more than cost savings. It was an opportunity to build confidence, grow as a team, and prove what we can accomplish together.
Tracie Mueller
Wastewater Utility Manager
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This project is a testament to the skill and determination of the Wastewater Collections and Environmental Utilities Maintenance teams, who stepped up to take on a complex challenge in-house, proving once again that the City of Roseville has the expertise and capability to deliver solutions on par with any in the industry.