Malaga Water System Improvements
Investing in Malaga's Future
Microsoft is funding nearly $50 million in water infrastructure improvements within the Malaga Water District. While these projects are necessary to support the development of Microsoft's new Malaga campus, they also provide significant long-term benefits to Malaga residents, businesses, and future growth.
Over the next 18 months, the Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority will execute several construction projects on behalf of the Malaga Water District throughout the community. This page provides project information, construction updates, anticipated impacts, and answers to frequently asked questions.
Why These Improvements Matter
For many years, the Malaga Water District has served approximately 600 customers with aging infrastructure and limited capacity for future growth. This investment allows the District to modernize critical infrastructure without placing the full cost burden on local ratepayers.
Community Benefits
Reliable Water Supply
Three new water wells will strengthen Malaga's water supply, ensuring reliable service for existing residents while creating capacity for future homes, businesses and industry.
Water Storage
Two modern water reservoirs will replace aging infrastructure, increasing the District's ability to store water and improving reliability during emergencies, power outages, and peak summer demand.
The project adds 1.4 million gallons of new water storage.
An additional 500,000 gallons of storage will support future community growth.
Improved Water Delivery
Approximately nine miles of new water pipeline will modernize and strengthen the system.
Water pressure will improve in areas that have historically experienced pressure challenges.
New transmission mains will improve the movement of water throughout the District.
Increased Reliability
The upgraded system creates multiple backup water supply and delivery options, reducing the risk of service interruptions.
A modern monitoring and control system (SCADA) will allow operators to detect and respond to problems more quickly.
Supporting Future Growth
These improvements position Malaga for future residential, commercial, and industrial growth.
The investment provides infrastructure that would otherwise be difficult for a small utility to fund independently.
Completed Projects
Initial Waterline Extension
A new waterline was constructed extending approximately one mile from the end of Saturday Avenue. This critical infrastructure connected the Microsoft campus to the Malaga Water District and opened up service opportunities for several properties.
New Water Wells
Three new wells have been drilled and tested to strengthen the District's water supply and provide additional source capacity.
Reservoir Site Preparation
Mass grading has been completed at the future reservoir site, preparing the location for construction of new water storage facilities.
Upcoming Construction Projects
This section will be updated regularly as projects progress and new information becomes available. Below are the construction projects anticipated over the next 18 months.
To learn more, ask questions, and stay informed, we encourage you to attend one of our upcoming community meetings.
July 21, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
July 22, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
Malaga Fire Station 3760 West Malaga Road, Malaga, WA 98828
Saturday Avenue & Dixie Lane Water Main Project
Construction of new water mains along Saturday Avenue and Dixie Lane to improve water delivery and system reliability.
Status: Construction
Anticipated Construction Schedule: August 2026 - April 2027
Potential Community Impacts:
Temporary traffic delays
Lane closures
Construction noise
Latest Update:
West Malaga Road Transmission Water Main
Installation of a major transmission water main along West Malaga Road to improve system capacity and reliability.
Status: Construction
Anticipated Construction Schedule: October 2026-April 2027
Potential Community Impacts:
Traffic control measures
Temporary lane restrictions
Construction activity within roadway corridors
Latest Update:
Wallace Road Transmission Mains & Reservoir Project
Construction of new transmission mains and two modern water reservoirs that will significantly increase water storage capacity and improve system reliability.
Status: Construction
Anticipated Construction Schedule: July 2026 - October 2027
Potential Community Impacts:
Construction traffic
Temporary roadway impacts
Increased activity near the reservoir site
Latest Update:
West Malaga Road Loop Project
Construction of new water infrastructure creating additional system looping and redundancy, allowing pressure issues to be alleviated.
Status: Design
Anticipated Construction Schedule: March 2027 - October 2027
Potential Community Impacts:
Temporary traffic delays
Construction noise
Utility construction activities
Latest Update:
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Microsoft funding these projects?
Microsoft’s planned Malaga campus requires additional water infrastructure. Rather than constructing separate facilities, Microsoft is funding improvements that strengthen the Malaga Water District’s overall system and provide lasting benefits to the community.
Will these projects increase my water rates?
The infrastructure improvements are being funded by Microsoft. The purpose of this investment is to avoid placing the cost of these major upgrades on the District’s existing ratepayers.
Will my water service be interrupted?
Most construction will occur without impacting water service. If planned interruptions are necessary, affected customers will receive advance notice whenever possible.
How long will construction last?
Construction activities are expected to occur over approximately 18 months, with individual project schedule varying.
How can I stay informed?
Project updates will be posted on this webpage as construction progresses.
Questions about these projects?
Contact Information
Stacie de Mestre, Director of Economic Development & Capital Projects Chelan Douglas Regional Port Authority stacie@cdrpa.org 509.884.4700
