Water Treatment Plant

In July 2025, we took the first major step toward building a NEW Water Treatment Plant, an investment in reliability, resilience and the future of our community’s water supply. The project began with an important offsite facilities effort, replacing an aging culvert in Ashland Creek and laying the groundwork for what’s to come.

Final engineering, permitting and bidding are anticipated to wrap up in Winter 2026, with construction beginning shortly thereafter. Once underway, construction is expected to span approximately three years as this critical infrastructure investment takes shape. 

We will post updates as the project progresses (see News Releases for more detail) 

February 2026 updates:

  • East and West Forks Water Treatment Line Rehab. Working through permitting process. 

January 2026 updates: 

  • After six months of construction, the offsite Culvert Replacement Project is nearly complete, restoring access to popular trailheads and the 2060 Road. Phase II of the Water Treatment Plant project is currently underway, with the design team working through final design. Construction is anticipated to be released this winter.

December 2025 updates: 

  • Piping, excavation and conduit installation work is expected to be completed by Christmas.
  • Handrail and guardrail installations have been delayed and are now anticipated to be completed early next year in 2026. Until these installations are finished, the culvert will remain closed to the public, and the temporary pedestrian bridge will stay in place.

October 2025 updates: 

  • The new culvert has been installed and Ashland Creek has returned to its previous flow path.
  • The remainder of the project, which is composed primarily of pipe installation, finish grading and site restoration is on schedule to complete by the end of the year.
  • By the end of December, users of Wonder, Wasabi and USFS Road 2060 should expect the original start to Wonder and Wasabi to be restored at which time the temporary bridge will be removed.  

Water Treatment Plant culvert project map


How will this project be financed and what are the benefits of the project? 

Water Treatment Plant Project, project and financing benefits

  1. Water Treatment Plant Project, Offsite Culvert Replacement Project Nears Completion

    After six months of construction, the Water Treatment Plant Offsite Culvert Replacement Project is nearly complete, restoring access to popular trailheads and the 2060 Road. Read on...

  2. Culvert Replacement Project for Water Treatment Plant, Trails Reopen!

    UPDATED Aug 8, 2025: A temporary bridge over Ashland Creek is officially open, restoring access to Wonder & Wasabi Trails & USFS Road 2060. Follow detour signs & walk bikes on mixed-use sections. Read on...

  3. Water Treatment Plant Fully Funded

    UPDATED Dec 2025. Ashland advances Water Treatment Plant Plans with secure federal loan amid grant shifts. Despite recent changes to FEMA grants, Ashland is pressing ahead with its fully funded Water Treatment Plant project, backed by an EPA loan. Read on...
View All News

View our summary of questions received about the Water Treatment Plant and staff responses (PDF). Also see FAQs below. 

Our water treatment plant was constructed in 1948 and is reaching the end of its useful life. It is located in a steep, narrow canyon where landslide, fire, flood and earthquake risk could compromise its ability to produce potable water for the community. The existing plant also has limited treatment capacity for changes in raw water quality, specifically for algal toxins. The plans for the replacement of the plant to a new safe location has been in development since 2012 since it was first identified in the Comprehensive Water Master Plan approved by Council at the time.

To support the project, Council in its authority granted to them in the City Charter and continuing the work from past councils and City staff, recently passed a resolution for low-cost borrowing through revenue bonds issued to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This federal program assists cities nationally to be able to access low-cost funding to strengthen its water infrastructure with new technologies. View the March 21, 2024, news release (PDF).


Helpful Links:

  • Background Information - Learn about actions we have taken regarding the water treatment plant. 
  • Resolution 2024-05 (PDF) - This resolution authorizes the issuance of water revenue bonds.
  • Strategic Choices (PDF) - This presentation contrasts rehabilitating the existing water treatment plant, rehabilitating and modifying the existing water treatment plant and building a new plant.
  • Water Master Plan Update (PDF), summer 2020 - This plan originated in 2012. 
  • Did you know? The Medford Water Commission obtained WIFIA funding for their projects? Learn more.

Learn about our Water Divisions in Public Works

Check our YouTube video below to learn about Ashland's water supply, water treatment, water distribution and water conservation.

View Water Rates  

At the June 3, 2025, Ashland City Council Regular Business Meeting, the water rate adjustments based on the Cost of Service Study were approved. View documents from the meeting:

  1. Ashland claims to have obtained a $73M loan from WIFIA, which fully funds the new water treatment plant. The plant has been estimated to cost between $55M and $75M. However, WIFIA caps funding at 49%.
  2. What was the outcome of the November 2024 Ballot Measure for Resolution 2024-05?
  3. What is the City's current debt level and how does that relate to the proposed water treatment plant financing with the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)?
View All FAQs