A Multi-Week Infrastructure Series

WEEK 1 — Why Upland Needed New Master Plans

Fixing What Was Deferred

For many years, Upland’s water, recycled water, and wastewater systems continued to operate using master plans that were well beyond their recommended lifespan. The City’s wastewater master plan dated back to 2006, recycled water to 2008, and the water master plan to 2010. Industry best practices call for comprehensive updates every 5 to 10 years to ensure systems remain safe, reliable, and fiscally sustainable. Upland had fallen 15 to 20 years behind that standard.

Operating without updated master plans does not mean systems stop working overnight, but it does mean decisions are made reactively rather than strategically. Deferred planning increases the likelihood of emergency repairs, regulatory noncompliance, and sudden cost spikes that ultimately fall on residents. These newly adopted master plans correct that problem by giving the City a modern, data-driven roadmap for maintaining infrastructure before failures occur.

Just as importantly, these plans are not about expansion or overbuilding. They focus on maintaining what the City already owns, correcting known deficiencies, and responsibly planning for the infrastructure residents rely on every day.

Key Takeaways

• Upland’s utility plans were significantly outdated

• Deferred planning leads to higher long-term costs

• Master plans prioritize maintenance, safety, and reliability

• Proactive planning protects residents from emergency failures