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CITY OF GLENDALE, CALIFORNIA
REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA ITEM
Report: Water Master Plan Update and Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Arcadis U.S., Inc.
1. Motion to Note and File Water Master Plan Update.
2. Motion authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into and execute an amendment to the existing Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Contract No. 8002793, with Arcadis U.S., Inc. (Arcadis), to increase the contract amount by $127,211 in order for Arcadis to provide additional services related to the development of a comprehensive Water Master Plan, for a new contract not-to-exceed amount of $1,324,103.
COUNCIL ACTION
Item Type: Action Item
Approved for March 31, 2026 calendar
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
In January 2025, Glendale Water & Power (GWP) entered into a PSA with Arcadis to develop a Water Master Plan (WMP) and Recycled Water Master Plan (RWMP).
The purpose of these master plans is to provide GWP with a clear, data-driven understanding of its existing infrastructure, water supply, and future needs. The planning effort focused on upgrading aging assets, adapting to changing demand patterns, expanding local water supply options, and building a reliable water future for Glendale.
The existing PSA with Arcadis is for a not-to-exceed cost of $1,196,892. Several critical tasks were identified during plan development that exceeded the original scope of the agreement. The total cost for these additional services is $127,211.
RECOMMENDATION
To note and file the Water Master Plan Update and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute an amendment to the existing PSA with Arcadis, to provide additional services related to the development of a comprehensive Water Master Plan, in an amount not to exceed $127,211.
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ANALYSIS
This master planning effort analyzed all aspects of Glendale’s water and recycled water systems. These included detailed demand forecasting, supply assessment, infrastructure condition evaluation, pipeline replacement planning, hydraulic modeling, water quality analysis, and alternative supply evaluation. All findings and recommendations are being finalized in the Master Plan report, which will guide Glendale’s capital improvement program (CIP) and inform the upcoming Cost-of- Service Analysis (COSA) and rate study.
Below is a detailed summary of the activities completed as part of Glendale’s Water Master Plan (WMP) and Recycled Water Master Plan (RWMP). These efforts provide a comprehensive assessment of Glendale’s water and recycled water systems, supporting a reliable, sustainable future.
Water Infrastructure
A robust water system is built on the health and longevity of its physical infrastructure.
GWP delivers safe, reliable drinking water to its customers through a complex, integrated network comprised of:
- 401 miles of pipeline
- 31 pump stations
- 30 tanks
- 15 groundwater wells
- 7 primary pressure zones.
- 2 treatment plant.
GWP undertook a comprehensive condition assessment to evaluate the state of its potable and recycled water system assets, laying the groundwork for capital improvements and renewal plans over the next 20 years. As part of this, an extensive effort was made to build a complete asset inventory and establish foundational asset management practices. The assessment followed best practices from the International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM), focusing on each asset’s likelihood of failure (LoF) and remaining useful life (RUL). To ensure a thorough and consistent approach, assets were defined according to their function (mechanical, electrical/instrumentation, or structural) and organized within a structured hierarchy.
This allowed GWP to track assets from the utility-wide level down to individual components, supporting consistent evaluation and effective maintenance planning.
A total of 948 facility assets were visually inspected and catalogued using digital tools like Fulcrum and OpenSpace AI. Field inspections, staff interviews, and virtual workshops provided a detailed view of the system’s physical state. The majority of assets (86%) belong to the potable water system, with the remainder in the recycled water system. Assets ranged from piping, pumps, and valves to electrical panels, tanks, and site structures.
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Each asset was scored from 1 (very good) to 5 (very poor) based on visual inspection.
Most potable and recycled water assets scored between 2 and 3, indicating good to moderate condition. However, about 16% of potable assets and 10% of recycled assets were found in poor condition, with roughly 10% of all assets in very poor condition, often due to age, corrosion, or operational issues. Additionally, asset performance was scored using criteria like capacity, regulatory compliance, maintenance history, reliability, and risk of obsolescence. Nearly half of potable water assets and just over half of recycled water assets were rated as performing well, but a significant portion received poor or very poor performance scores; often due to aging equipment, frequent breakdowns, or outdated technology.
Combining physical and performance scores, the analysis found that about 60% of potable water assets and 56% of recycled water assets have poor or very poor overall condition ratings, indicating elevated risk of failure. The main drivers were asset obsolescence, reliability issues, and corrosion. Majority of assets are at or near the end of their expected service. About 71% of assets are expected to need replacement within 20 years, and over a quarter have already exceeded their estimated life expectancy. This highlights the urgency for proactive renewal and replacement planning.
Pipeline Replacement Program: A reliable drinking water system depends on the health of its pipelines. Recognizing the importance of this infrastructure, GWP developed a comprehensive Pipeline Replacement Program to assess the condition of its potable water pipelines, prioritize replacements, and plan for long-term system resilience. The primary goal of the Pipeline Replacement Program is to ensure the ongoing safety, reliability, and structural integrity of Glendale’s potable water distribution system. By systematically assessing each pipeline’s age, material, and failure history, GWP can reduce main breaks, minimize service disruptions, and invest wisely in the areas with the highest need. This proactive approach supports both day-to-day reliability and long-term capital planning.
GWP’s pipeline network consists of a diverse mix of transmission and distribution pipelines, varying in age, material, and size. Most pipes are cast iron (CIP) or ductile iron (DIP), reflecting waves of installation dating back to the early 20th century. The assessment relied on Glendale’s GIS database, supplemented by operations records and well-reasoned assumptions to fill in data gaps for older pipes. - Material breakdown: About 67% of the system is legacy cast iron, with ductile iron making up another 27%. Other materials like PVC, steel, and concrete play smaller roles.
- Age: Much of the oldest infrastructure dates to 1910-1930, while newer pipes were installed after 1970.
- Diameter: The majority are mid-sized, with 8-inch and 6-inch mains making up most of the mileage.
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Pipelines were evaluated using industry-standard deterioration curves based on material type and age, with adjustments for segments with a history of failures. Each segment received a Likelihood of Failure (LoF) score from 1 (excellent) to 5 (very poor), reflecting its structural condition and estimated break rate. Most pipelines (over 50%) have exceeded their useful life and are in need of replacement.
Water Supply
Approximately two-thirds of the City of Glendale’s water supply is imported from external watersheds located in other regions of California and the western United States. These imported supplies are delivered primarily through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) and originate from two major systems: the Colorado River Aqueduct and the State Water Project (SWP).
The Colorado River Aqueduct transports water from the Colorado River to Southern California and is owned and operated by MWD. The State Water Project, which conveys water from the Northern Sierra Nevada through the California Aqueduct, is owned and operated by the California Department of Water Resources (DWR).
Glendale receives water from both of these systems through its membership in MWD.
Glendale is one of the original founding members of the Metropolitan Water District and remains one of its 26 member agencies. Through this partnership, the City has historically relied on imported water to supplement its local groundwater resources and meet community demand.
However, these imported water sources are increasingly challenged. The Colorado River Basin is experiencing long-term drought conditions, declining reservoir levels, and growing interstate competition for limited supplies. Similarly, deliveries from the State Water Project have become less reliable due to changing hydrologic conditions, environmental regulations, and the impacts of climate change on California’s snowpack and precipitation patterns.
Given these uncertainties, reducing reliance on imported water has become an important objective for Glendale. Expanding and strengthening local water supplies — such as groundwater production, recycled water use, conservation programs, and other sustainable water management strategies—will help improve supply reliability, enhance drought resilience, and protect the City from future imported water shortages.
By investing in local water resources and long-term planning, Glendale can ensure a more sustainable and resilient water supply for its residents and businesses while reducing dependence on increasingly constrained imported water sources. As part of this planning effort, GWP undertook a comprehensive evaluation of all potential water supply options to address future supply gaps and system needs as outlined below:
1. Identification: A broad range of alternative supply projects was brainstormed, including:
- Groundwater recovery and treatment
- Non-potable reuse (recycled water expansion)
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- Indirect Potable Reuse (IPR)
- Direct Potable Reuse (DPR)
- Stormwater capture
- Desalination
- Decentralized treatment
2. Screening: Initial alternatives were screened using high-level qualitative criteria such as technical feasibility, availability of supply, regulatory considerations, capital and operations and maintenance (O&M) costs, and implementation schedule.
3. Evaluation: The shortlisted projects were then evaluated using a Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) framework. The criteria and their weights were refined with input from GWP, Arcadis, and the Stakeholder Water Advisory Group (SWAG). Projects were scored 1-5 for each criterion, multiplied by the criterion weight, and summed for a total score.
4. Selection: The highest scoring and most feasible alternatives were recommended for inclusion in GWP’s CIP:
Capital Improvement Program (CIP)
Unit cost development was based on similar projects in the region, and vendor quotes for current pricing, both of which were adjusted using latest construction cost data.
Additional focus was emphasized on pipelines, which represent the largest cost in CIP. Detailed cost estimates were developed and include valves, hydrants, laterals, excavation, and other key components. A dynamic CIP was developed to allow GWP to easily update projects as their needs, project descriptions, or cost information change.
The approximate Water and Recycled Water CIP totals $706 million, with about 64% of the projects dedicated to pipeline replacement and rehabilitation. Additional investments are allocated to new water supplies (14%), facility rehabilitation and replacement (11%), fire improvements (1%), and other areas such as studies, pump stations, and water quality enhancements. The overall program prioritizes water quality, fire protection, and critical infrastructure to ensure reliable and sustainable service delivery.
PSA Amendment Scope:
During project execution, several additional needs and emerging issues were identified that require formal amendment to the contract to ensure the Master Plans are current, actionable, and fully aligned with GWP’s ongoing and future initiatives as outlined below:
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1. Additional Technical and Data Management Tasks ($46,466):
Several critical tasks were identified during plan development that exceeded the original scope, including:
- Expanded data collection and review due to issues with the AMI system, requiring manual demand analysis and recalculations for both potable and recycled systems.
- Condition assessment enhancements using OpenSpace AI for improved asset documentation.
- Pipeline replacement program updates stemming from incomplete GIS data, necessitating additional mapping and reconciliation. - Hydraulic model calibration with increased data collection and flow metering to address system limitations.
- Development of a 360 Photo GIS Database, migrating and geo-referencing over 1,900 high-resolution facility photos into GWP’s GIS for improved virtual asset access and staff training.
2. Alternative Water Supply Coordination and Planning ($59,780):
The current draft master plan recommends developing a new local supply in a partnership with LADWP at the Glendale and LADWP owned LAGWRP. This is the preferred strategy for increasing local, drought-resilient water supply, this amendment supports:
- Ongoing partnership coordination with LADWP to explore alternative supply planning opportunities at LAGWRP.
- Development of a permitting roadmap for flow modification to the LA River, including regulatory stakeholder analysis, permitting requirements, and environmental evaluation, to ensure GWP is prepared for future supply project implementation.
- Regular coordination meetings and technical documentation to maintain project momentum and leverage regional synergies.
3. Expanded Community Outreach and Engagement ($20,965):
To bridge Master Plan communications with the upcoming Cost-of-Service Analysis and rate study, and to bolster public understanding of water system investments, this amendment includes:
- Production of a short video series highlighting water quality, infrastructure investment, and supply reliability, utilizing existing video assets and professional editing for digital dissemination.
- Community presentation support, including tailored slide decks and updated talking points, to reinforce Master Plan outcomes and infrastructure priorities with key audiences.
- Enhanced messaging and narrative development to establish a strong foundation for future rate communications and maintain the trust established through prior outreach.
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STAKEHOLDERS/OUTREACH
Public Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement were central to Glendale’s master planning process. GWP worked with the Bodewell Group (BWG), formerly Katz and Associates, Kathrin Padilla and Associates, and Probolsky Research to engage residents, businesses, and community leaders:
- Stakeholder Water Advisory Group (SWAG): SWAG included representatives from diverse segments of Glendale’s community, businesses, environmental groups, civic leaders, and major water users. Five meetings were held to discuss infrastructure needs, supply alternatives, and financial impacts. - Public Workshops & Opinion Research:
Workshops and surveys provided forums for community feedback. Water facility tours offered hands-on education (Las Virgenes Pure Water, Pure Water SoCal). - Educational Outreach:
BWG developed educational videos and presentation materials to communicate system needs, supply options, and CIP priorities.
These outreach efforts informed the final master plan recommendations and built public support for future rate adjustments and capital investments.
FISCAL IMPACT
The amendment to the existing PSA with Arcadis increases the contract amount by $127,211 to provide additional services for the development of a comprehensive Water Master Plan, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,324,103.
Funding for these services was approved as part of the FY 2025–2026 budget. No new appropriation is being requested at this time. The City Council approved funding is outlined below.
Existing Appropriation
Amount Account String Funding Source
$127,211 43110-5920-GWP-4700 Water Works Revenue
Fund
Department Cost Center Program
Glendale Water
and Power
Water Engineering
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW (CEQA/NEPA)
This item is not a project for the purposes of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and thus is not subject to CEQA review.
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CAMPAIGN DISCLOSURE
In accordance with the City Campaign Finance Ordinance No. 5744, the following are the names and business addresses of the members of the board of directors, the chairperson, CEO, COO, CFO, Subcontractors and any person or entity with more than ten percent interest in the company proposed for contract in this agenda item report.
Arcadis U.S, Inc. is wholly owned by Arcadis North America, Inc., a Colorado Corporation, whose sole shareholder is Arcadis USA, B.V., a Dutch company.
Officers of: Arcadis U.S., Inc.
Full Name Title Business Address City State Zip
None
Ownership Interest in more than ten percent (10%) in Arcadis U.S., Inc.
Full Name Title Business Address City Postal
Code Country
Lovinklaan
Foundation
Beaulieustraat 22 Arnhem 6814 DV Netherlands
ALTERNATIVES TO STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Alternative 1: Choose not to authorize the amendment proposed herein. This will result in a lack of certain analytical depth, regional coordination considerations, and broader stakeholder input that would otherwise strengthen the plan and support informed decision-making.
Alternative 2: Consider any other alternative not proposed by staff.
ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION
Submitted by:
Scott K. Mellon, P.E., General Manager - Glendale Water and Power Prepared by:
Chisom Obegolu, P.E., Assistant General Manager - Water Approved by:
Roubik R. Golanian, P.E., City Manager
EXHIBITS/ATTACHMENTS
Not applicable.