FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Name: Becca Gold Rubin, Public Outreach Coordinator
Email: beccar@soquelcreekwater.org
Phone: 831-475-8501 x118
Moosehead Drive Water Reliability and Fire Improvement Project Completed in Aptos
Aptos, CA (March 24, 2026) — This month, Soquel Creek Water District wrapped up construction for its Moosehead Drive Water Reliability and Fire Improvement Main Replacement Project, a critical infrastructure upgrade made possible by a $1.4 million-dollar federal grant secured by Congressman Jimmy Panetta in the FY 2023 federal budget from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Community Grants program.
The project replaced approximately 2,420 linear feet of aging and undersized two-, three-, and four-inch steel and asbestos-cement water mains with a modern six-inch polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipeline. The upgraded system now provides improved water reliability, reduced leakage, and enhanced fire protection for residents along Moosehead Drive and Winfield Drive, as well as nearby connecting streets in the Rio Del Mar neighborhood of Aptos.
Serving approximately 65 homes, the previous pipelines had long experienced frequent breaks, limited capacity, and ongoing maintenance challenges. The newly completed improvements, constructed by Don Chapin Company, resolve these issues and strengthen the area’s overall water infrastructure and reliability.
“The aging water main on Moosehead Drive has long suffered from frequent breaks and limited capacity, putting pressure on local residents and emergency services,” said Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “This federal funding is essential to enable the replacement of the outdated pipe with modern infrastructure that will improve water reliability, reduce leaks, and enhance fire protection. This is exactly how federal resources should be used, investing in critical local upgrades that strengthen public health and community resilience.”
The total cost of the project is approximately $1.9 million, with about $1.4 million funded through the federal EPA grant.
“We’re proud to see construction complete on a project that will provide long-term benefits to our customers,” said Tom LaHue, Board President. “Support from the EPA and the leadership of Congressman Panetta made this important investment in our community possible.”
Benefits to the Community
• Water Efficiency: Replaces leaking pipes and reduces water waste
• Fire Safety: New fire hydrant and increased fire flow capacity for local emergency protection
• Reliability: Modern, durable infrastructure ensures consistent service
• Sustainability: No bonds or loans required—locally and federally funded
“This project is about protecting public health and making our infrastructure more resilient in the face of climate change and wildfire threats,” said Melanie Mow Schumacher, General Manager. “We appreciate the community’s patience during construction and are grateful for the EPA’s investment in our water system.”
Pictured from left to right: Melanie Mow Schumacher, General Manager; Doug Martin, Construction Inspector; Congressman Jimmy Panetta; Eileen Eisner Streller, Assistant Engineer
About Soquel Creek Water District:
The Soquel Creek Water District is a not-for-profit local government agency that provides water resource management within its service area to deliver a safe and reliable supply of high-quality water to meet present and future needs in an environmentally sensitive and economically responsible way.