The Palo Alto Community Survey is a feedback tool that helps the City Council and City staff understand community perspectives on current services and programs, as well as unmet needs and priorities. The survey was initially sent via mail on August 13 to a random sample population of resident households. On September 15, the survey opens citywide.
A new preliminary treatment facility (a.k.a. headworks facility) will be constructed at the Regional Water Quality Control Plant. It will replace aging infrastructures and equipment for preliminary treatment of raw sewage. Because of old age and obsolete technology, the existing equipment cannot remove as much grit and screenings as a newer system can. Heavy winter storms can overload the system with large amounts of grit and damage sludge collection equipment in the primary sedimentation tanks. This occurred in January 2023. The upgraded system will solve this problem. This project includes a new and centralized pumping plant; influent flow diversion structure; modern equipment for debris, rags and grit removal; and upgraded ancillary systems to improve reliability and resiliency.
This project is still seeking additional funding. Financing through the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) administered Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) and the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) program loans will be pursued for the detailed design and construction of this project. If these lower-interest loans cannot be obtained, bond financing will be considered. Partner agencies’ approval to repay the loans is required.
This project was identified in the Long-Range Facility Plan (LRFP) which was completed in 2012.
Rendered Image: Courtesy of Carollo Engineers
Potential impacts to the public and environment will be assessed during detailed design phase and updated later.
Long Range Facility Plan Final Report August 2012.pdf(PDF, 41MB)
2501 Embarcadero Way