In January 2018, the TCPUD purchased Mid-Sierra Water Utility (Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek water systems) as part of a west shore regionalization plan to consolidate water systems along the west shore and improve drinking water reliability and infrastructure for firefighting. The TCPUD immediately began operating and investing in both water systems, which are actively failing. The TCPUD Board of Directors adopted Master Plans for both water systems in February 2021, which recommended full reconstruction of the existing water systems.

In April 2023, the Board authorized staff to conduct a rate study to determine an Infrastructure Improvement Charge that will reflect the costs specific to upsizing pipelines and adding fire hydrants to the Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek water systems to meet modern fire protection standards. This charge (a special water rate) will be specific to water customers served by the Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek water systems (formerly owned by Mid-Sierra Water Utility).

Infrastructure Improvement Charge FAQs

2023 Rate Study Public Meeting Presentations:

4/21/23: Tahoe Cedars-Madden Creek 2023 Infrastructure Improvement Charge Rate Study Strategy (PDF)

Purpose of the 2023 Infrastructure Improvement Charge Rate Study

• Conduct a Cost of Service analysis to determine what infrastructure costs are unique to the Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek water systems for improvements that will meet modern fire protection standards.
• Develop a cost-based charge that reflects the costs specific to upsizing pipelines and adding fire hydrants to modern fire protection standards. 
• Comply with the requirements of Proposition 218 to establish the Infrastructure Improvement Charge and implement the charge for a specified time period to recover the identified costs. 

Learn about the Tahoe Cedars and Madden Creek Reconstruction Projects:

Tahoe Cedars Water System Reconstruction Project

• Tahoe Cedars Service Area Map

Madden Creek Water System Reconstruction Project

• Madden Creek Service Area Map

For more information: Contact Denise Springsteel at dspringsteel@tcpud.org or 530-580-6291.