Building Upland's Future Part 1: Infrastructure Assessments
Part 1 reveals the real state of Upland’s infrastructure.
Building Upland’s Future: Knowing the Condition of Our City
Every city is only as strong as the infrastructure that supports it. Roads, sidewalks, water lines, sewer systems, and parks may not be glamorous, but they are the systems that keep a community safe, healthy, and livable. Here in Upland, years of underinvestment and aging facilities have left us with growing challenges that can no longer be ignored. That’s why updated master plans and condition assessments—from our streets to our utilities—are so critical. They give us a clear, data-driven picture of what we have, what needs repair, and how much it will cost to fix it. Without them, decisions are guesswork. With them, we can plan strategically, seek funding, and invest wisely in Upland’s future.
Recent assessments highlight the scale of the challenge. Upland’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI), the industry standard score for street quality, stands at 57 out of 100—well below the 70+ average in neighboring cities like Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. If no action is taken, Upland’s PCI will fall into the mid-40s within five years, pushing our roads into “poor” condition. The City also faces an estimated $130 million backlog in deferred street repairs. Our Sidewalk Master Plan tells a similar story, with $54.8 million in needed repairs and ADA upgrades, and about 40% of sidewalks currently failing accessibility standards. These studies demonstrate not only the urgency of the need but also the value of having current master plans to guide next steps.
Streets and Sidewalks
Upland’s street network is deteriorating quickly. The PCI of 57 reflects an overall system in “fair” condition but trending downward. Without timely intervention, maintenance costs will multiply—every $1 deferred today becomes $8 to $14 in reconstruction costs later. At present, the City faces a $130 million backlog in roadwork, including pavement rehabilitation, overlays, and reconstruction.
Sidewalks are equally concerning. The Sidewalk Master Plan documented $54.8 million in repairs and upgrades needed to address broken panels, uplifted slabs, and missing ADA curb ramps. Nearly 40% of Upland’s sidewalks fail to meet accessibility standards, creating gaps in connectivity and safety risks for residents, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges.
📌 Key Costs – Roads & Sidewalks
$130 million in deferred street repairs
$54.8 million for sidewalks and ADA compliance
Water and Recycled Water Systems
Citywide water capacity remains stable, but several critical issues were identified. In older neighborhoods, fire flow deficiencies were found due to undersized mains, posing a public safety concern. Water quality testing revealed contamination in several wells: Wells 3 and 8 exceeded nitrate levels, and Well 7 tested above limits for PCE, a volatile organic compound. These wells require treatment or blending before they can return to service.
Adding to this, more than 42% of Upland’s water mains are over 50 years old, making them vulnerable to leaks, ruptures, and water quality failures. The updated plan calls for a pipe replacement strategy based on a 60-year service life, along with tank rehabilitation and pump efficiency upgrades. Recycled water use remains steady at about 700 acre-feet annually, but the City is considering expansion to strengthen long-term supply reliability.
📌 Key Costs – Water System
$133 million needed between 2027–2030 for water system upgrades
Projects include pipeline replacements, tank rehabilitation, and fire flow improvements
Wastewater Collection System
The wastewater system is functional today, with no major citywide capacity problems, though minor wet-weather surcharges were observed. However, many of Upland’s clay sewer pipes—some more than a century old—are nearing the end of their service life. The Wastewater Collection Master Plan outlines a phased replacement strategy, with six miles of sewer lines needing full replacement and another 14 miles requiring rehabilitation by 2035.
📌 Key Costs – Wastewater System
$15 million in near-term projects already identified
$80+ million in long-term needs for replacements and rehabilitation
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
The SSMP has been updated to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, which requires more rigorous maintenance, monitoring, and reporting. Updates include expanded CCTV inspections, pipe flushing programs, FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) controls, and emergency response protocols. Performance tracking of sanitary sewer overflows is also now required, ensuring the City targets resources to the highest-risk areas.
Parks and Public Spaces
Our parks and open spaces are also aging. Per-capita park funding in Upland is less than half of comparable cities, leaving facilities outdated and under-maintained. For example, McCarthy Park alone requires more than $700,000 in renovations just to bring it up to ADA standards and improve safety. Investments like these are essential not just for recreation but for quality of life and community health.
Why It All Matters
The message is clear: Upland’s infrastructure—from streets and sidewalks to water mains, sewer pipes, and parks—is aging, and the cost of inaction is high. But thanks to updated master plans and condition assessments, we now know the true state of our systems and can prioritize repairs based on urgency and cost-effectiveness.
📌 Key Risks of Inaction
Streets falling into “poor” condition within five years
Higher reconstruction costs ($8–$14 for every $1 deferred)
Public safety risks from inadequate fire flow in older neighborhoods
Water quality concerns in city wells
Service disruptions from century-old sewer pipes
Loss of compliance with state water and wastewater regulations
Building Upland’s Future
These findings paint a sobering picture, but they also give us a roadmap for action. By investing now—guided by strong master plans—Upland can secure grant funding, bond financing, and partnerships to minimize the impact on ratepayers while still addressing urgent needs.
This is about more than pipes, pumps, and pavement. It is about preparing Upland for the next generation with infrastructure that is safe, resilient, and built to last. These master plans are not just documents; they are the foundation of Building Upland’s Future.
Building Upland’s Future: Knowing the Condition of Our City
Every city is only as strong as the infrastructure that supports it. Roads, sidewalks, water lines, sewer systems, and parks may not be glamorous, but they are the systems that keep a community safe, healthy, and livable. Here in Upland, years of underinvestment and aging facilities have left us with growing challenges that can no longer be ignored. That’s why updated master plans and condition assessments—from our streets to our utilities—are so critical. They give us a clear, data-driven picture of what we have, what needs repair, and how much it will cost to fix it. Without them, decisions are guesswork. With them, we can plan strategically, seek funding, and invest wisely in Upland’s future.
Recent assessments highlight the scale of the challenge. Upland’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI), the industry standard score for street quality, stands at 57 out of 100—well below the 70+ average in neighboring cities like Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. If no action is taken, Upland’s PCI will fall into the mid-40s within five years, pushing our roads into “poor” condition. The City also faces an estimated $130 million backlog in deferred street repairs. Our Sidewalk Master Plan tells a similar story, with $54.8 million in needed repairs and ADA upgrades, and about 40% of sidewalks currently failing accessibility standards. These studies demonstrate not only the urgency of the need but also the value of having current master plans to guide next steps.
Streets and Sidewalks
Upland’s street network is deteriorating quickly. The PCI of 57 reflects an overall system in “fair” condition but trending downward. Without timely intervention, maintenance costs will multiply—every $1 deferred today becomes $8 to $14 in reconstruction costs later. At present, the City faces a $130 million backlog in roadwork, including pavement rehabilitation, overlays, and reconstruction.
Sidewalks are equally concerning. The Sidewalk Master Plan documented $54.8 million in repairs and upgrades needed to address broken panels, uplifted slabs, and missing ADA curb ramps. Nearly 40% of Upland’s sidewalks fail to meet accessibility standards, creating gaps in connectivity and safety risks for residents, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges.
📌 Key Costs – Roads & Sidewalks
$130 million in deferred street repairs
$54.8 million for sidewalks and ADA compliance
Water and Recycled Water Systems
Citywide water capacity remains stable, but several critical issues were identified. In older neighborhoods, fire flow deficiencies were found due to undersized mains, posing a public safety concern. Water quality testing revealed contamination in several wells: Wells 3 and 8 exceeded nitrate levels, and Well 7 tested above limits for PCE, a volatile organic compound. These wells require treatment or blending before they can return to service.
Adding to this, more than 42% of Upland’s water mains are over 50 years old, making them vulnerable to leaks, ruptures, and water quality failures. The updated plan calls for a pipe replacement strategy based on a 60-year service life, along with tank rehabilitation and pump efficiency upgrades. Recycled water use remains steady at about 700 acre-feet annually, but the City is considering expansion to strengthen long-term supply reliability.
📌 Key Costs – Water System
$133 million needed between 2027–2030 for water system upgrades
Projects include pipeline replacements, tank rehabilitation, and fire flow improvements
Wastewater Collection System
The wastewater system is functional today, with no major citywide capacity problems, though minor wet-weather surcharges were observed. However, many of Upland’s clay sewer pipes—some more than a century old—are nearing the end of their service life. The Wastewater Collection Master Plan outlines a phased replacement strategy, with six miles of sewer lines needing full replacement and another 14 miles requiring rehabilitation by 2035.
📌 Key Costs – Wastewater System
$15 million in near-term projects already identified
$80+ million in long-term needs for replacements and rehabilitation
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
The SSMP has been updated to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, which requires more rigorous maintenance, monitoring, and reporting. Updates include expanded CCTV inspections, pipe flushing programs, FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) controls, and emergency response protocols. Performance tracking of sanitary sewer overflows is also now required, ensuring the City targets resources to the highest-risk areas.
Parks and Public Spaces
Our parks and open spaces are also aging. Per-capita park funding in Upland is less than half of comparable cities, leaving facilities outdated and under-maintained. For example, McCarthy Park alone requires more than $700,000 in renovations just to bring it up to ADA standards and improve safety. Investments like these are essential not just for recreation but for quality of life and community health.
Why It All Matters
The message is clear: Upland’s infrastructure—from streets and sidewalks to water mains, sewer pipes, and parks—is aging, and the cost of inaction is high. But thanks to updated master plans and condition assessments, we now know the true state of our systems and can prioritize repairs based on urgency and cost-effectiveness.
📌 Key Risks of Inaction
Streets falling into “poor” condition within five years
Higher reconstruction costs ($8–$14 for every $1 deferred)
Public safety risks from inadequate fire flow in older neighborhoods
Water quality concerns in city wells
Service disruptions from century-old sewer pipes
Loss of compliance with state water and wastewater regulations
Building Upland’s Future
These findings paint a sobering picture, but they also give us a roadmap for action. By investing now—guided by strong master plans—Upland can secure grant funding, bond financing, and partnerships to minimize the impact on ratepayers while still addressing urgent needs.
This is about more than pipes, pumps, and pavement. It is about preparing Upland for the next generation with infrastructure that is safe, resilient, and built to last. These master plans are not just documents; they are the foundation of Building Upland’s Future.
Building Upland’s Future: Knowing the Condition of Our City
Every city is only as strong as the infrastructure that supports it. Roads, sidewalks, water lines, sewer systems, and parks may not be glamorous, but they are the systems that keep a community safe, healthy, and livable. Here in Upland, years of underinvestment and aging facilities have left us with growing challenges that can no longer be ignored. That’s why updated master plans and condition assessments—from our streets to our utilities—are so critical. They give us a clear, data-driven picture of what we have, what needs repair, and how much it will cost to fix it. Without them, decisions are guesswork. With them, we can plan strategically, seek funding, and invest wisely in Upland’s future.
Recent assessments highlight the scale of the challenge. Upland’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI), the industry standard score for street quality, stands at 57 out of 100—well below the 70+ average in neighboring cities like Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. If no action is taken, Upland’s PCI will fall into the mid-40s within five years, pushing our roads into “poor” condition. The City also faces an estimated $130 million backlog in deferred street repairs. Our Sidewalk Master Plan tells a similar story, with $54.8 million in needed repairs and ADA upgrades, and about 40% of sidewalks currently failing accessibility standards. These studies demonstrate not only the urgency of the need but also the value of having current master plans to guide next steps.
Streets and Sidewalks
Upland’s street network is deteriorating quickly. The PCI of 57 reflects an overall system in “fair” condition but trending downward. Without timely intervention, maintenance costs will multiply—every $1 deferred today becomes $8 to $14 in reconstruction costs later. At present, the City faces a $130 million backlog in roadwork, including pavement rehabilitation, overlays, and reconstruction.
Sidewalks are equally concerning. The Sidewalk Master Plan documented $54.8 million in repairs and upgrades needed to address broken panels, uplifted slabs, and missing ADA curb ramps. Nearly 40% of Upland’s sidewalks fail to meet accessibility standards, creating gaps in connectivity and safety risks for residents, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges.
📌 Key Costs – Roads & Sidewalks
$130 million in deferred street repairs
$54.8 million for sidewalks and ADA compliance
Water and Recycled Water Systems
Citywide water capacity remains stable, but several critical issues were identified. In older neighborhoods, fire flow deficiencies were found due to undersized mains, posing a public safety concern. Water quality testing revealed contamination in several wells: Wells 3 and 8 exceeded nitrate levels, and Well 7 tested above limits for PCE, a volatile organic compound. These wells require treatment or blending before they can return to service.
Adding to this, more than 42% of Upland’s water mains are over 50 years old, making them vulnerable to leaks, ruptures, and water quality failures. The updated plan calls for a pipe replacement strategy based on a 60-year service life, along with tank rehabilitation and pump efficiency upgrades. Recycled water use remains steady at about 700 acre-feet annually, but the City is considering expansion to strengthen long-term supply reliability.
📌 Key Costs – Water System
$133 million needed between 2027–2030 for water system upgrades
Projects include pipeline replacements, tank rehabilitation, and fire flow improvements
Wastewater Collection System
The wastewater system is functional today, with no major citywide capacity problems, though minor wet-weather surcharges were observed. However, many of Upland’s clay sewer pipes—some more than a century old—are nearing the end of their service life. The Wastewater Collection Master Plan outlines a phased replacement strategy, with six miles of sewer lines needing full replacement and another 14 miles requiring rehabilitation by 2035.
📌 Key Costs – Wastewater System
$15 million in near-term projects already identified
$80+ million in long-term needs for replacements and rehabilitation
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
The SSMP has been updated to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, which requires more rigorous maintenance, monitoring, and reporting. Updates include expanded CCTV inspections, pipe flushing programs, FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) controls, and emergency response protocols. Performance tracking of sanitary sewer overflows is also now required, ensuring the City targets resources to the highest-risk areas.
Parks and Public Spaces
Our parks and open spaces are also aging. Per-capita park funding in Upland is less than half of comparable cities, leaving facilities outdated and under-maintained. For example, McCarthy Park alone requires more than $700,000 in renovations just to bring it up to ADA standards and improve safety. Investments like these are essential not just for recreation but for quality of life and community health.
Why It All Matters
The message is clear: Upland’s infrastructure—from streets and sidewalks to water mains, sewer pipes, and parks—is aging, and the cost of inaction is high. But thanks to updated master plans and condition assessments, we now know the true state of our systems and can prioritize repairs based on urgency and cost-effectiveness.
📌 Key Risks of Inaction
Streets falling into “poor” condition within five years
Higher reconstruction costs ($8–$14 for every $1 deferred)
Public safety risks from inadequate fire flow in older neighborhoods
Water quality concerns in city wells
Service disruptions from century-old sewer pipes
Loss of compliance with state water and wastewater regulations
Building Upland’s Future
These findings paint a sobering picture, but they also give us a roadmap for action. By investing now—guided by strong master plans—Upland can secure grant funding, bond financing, and partnerships to minimize the impact on ratepayers while still addressing urgent needs.
This is about more than pipes, pumps, and pavement. It is about preparing Upland for the next generation with infrastructure that is safe, resilient, and built to last. These master plans are not just documents; they are the foundation of Building Upland’s Future.
Building Upland’s Future: Knowing the Condition of Our City
Every city is only as strong as the infrastructure that supports it. Roads, sidewalks, water lines, sewer systems, and parks may not be glamorous, but they are the systems that keep a community safe, healthy, and livable. Here in Upland, years of underinvestment and aging facilities have left us with growing challenges that can no longer be ignored. That’s why updated master plans and condition assessments—from our streets to our utilities—are so critical. They give us a clear, data-driven picture of what we have, what needs repair, and how much it will cost to fix it. Without them, decisions are guesswork. With them, we can plan strategically, seek funding, and invest wisely in Upland’s future.
Recent assessments highlight the scale of the challenge. Upland’s Pavement Condition Index (PCI), the industry standard score for street quality, stands at 57 out of 100—well below the 70+ average in neighboring cities like Rancho Cucamonga and Ontario. If no action is taken, Upland’s PCI will fall into the mid-40s within five years, pushing our roads into “poor” condition. The City also faces an estimated $130 million backlog in deferred street repairs. Our Sidewalk Master Plan tells a similar story, with $54.8 million in needed repairs and ADA upgrades, and about 40% of sidewalks currently failing accessibility standards. These studies demonstrate not only the urgency of the need but also the value of having current master plans to guide next steps.
Streets and Sidewalks
Upland’s street network is deteriorating quickly. The PCI of 57 reflects an overall system in “fair” condition but trending downward. Without timely intervention, maintenance costs will multiply—every $1 deferred today becomes $8 to $14 in reconstruction costs later. At present, the City faces a $130 million backlog in roadwork, including pavement rehabilitation, overlays, and reconstruction.
Sidewalks are equally concerning. The Sidewalk Master Plan documented $54.8 million in repairs and upgrades needed to address broken panels, uplifted slabs, and missing ADA curb ramps. Nearly 40% of Upland’s sidewalks fail to meet accessibility standards, creating gaps in connectivity and safety risks for residents, particularly seniors and those with mobility challenges.
📌 Key Costs – Roads & Sidewalks
$130 million in deferred street repairs
$54.8 million for sidewalks and ADA compliance
Water and Recycled Water Systems
Citywide water capacity remains stable, but several critical issues were identified. In older neighborhoods, fire flow deficiencies were found due to undersized mains, posing a public safety concern. Water quality testing revealed contamination in several wells: Wells 3 and 8 exceeded nitrate levels, and Well 7 tested above limits for PCE, a volatile organic compound. These wells require treatment or blending before they can return to service.
Adding to this, more than 42% of Upland’s water mains are over 50 years old, making them vulnerable to leaks, ruptures, and water quality failures. The updated plan calls for a pipe replacement strategy based on a 60-year service life, along with tank rehabilitation and pump efficiency upgrades. Recycled water use remains steady at about 700 acre-feet annually, but the City is considering expansion to strengthen long-term supply reliability.
📌 Key Costs – Water System
$133 million needed between 2027–2030 for water system upgrades
Projects include pipeline replacements, tank rehabilitation, and fire flow improvements
Wastewater Collection System
The wastewater system is functional today, with no major citywide capacity problems, though minor wet-weather surcharges were observed. However, many of Upland’s clay sewer pipes—some more than a century old—are nearing the end of their service life. The Wastewater Collection Master Plan outlines a phased replacement strategy, with six miles of sewer lines needing full replacement and another 14 miles requiring rehabilitation by 2035.
📌 Key Costs – Wastewater System
$15 million in near-term projects already identified
$80+ million in long-term needs for replacements and rehabilitation
Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP)
The SSMP has been updated to comply with the State Water Resources Control Board’s General Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ, which requires more rigorous maintenance, monitoring, and reporting. Updates include expanded CCTV inspections, pipe flushing programs, FOG (Fats, Oils, Grease) controls, and emergency response protocols. Performance tracking of sanitary sewer overflows is also now required, ensuring the City targets resources to the highest-risk areas.
Parks and Public Spaces
Our parks and open spaces are also aging. Per-capita park funding in Upland is less than half of comparable cities, leaving facilities outdated and under-maintained. For example, McCarthy Park alone requires more than $700,000 in renovations just to bring it up to ADA standards and improve safety. Investments like these are essential not just for recreation but for quality of life and community health.
Why It All Matters
The message is clear: Upland’s infrastructure—from streets and sidewalks to water mains, sewer pipes, and parks—is aging, and the cost of inaction is high. But thanks to updated master plans and condition assessments, we now know the true state of our systems and can prioritize repairs based on urgency and cost-effectiveness.
📌 Key Risks of Inaction
Streets falling into “poor” condition within five years
Higher reconstruction costs ($8–$14 for every $1 deferred)
Public safety risks from inadequate fire flow in older neighborhoods
Water quality concerns in city wells
Service disruptions from century-old sewer pipes
Loss of compliance with state water and wastewater regulations
Building Upland’s Future
These findings paint a sobering picture, but they also give us a roadmap for action. By investing now—guided by strong master plans—Upland can secure grant funding, bond financing, and partnerships to minimize the impact on ratepayers while still addressing urgent needs.
This is about more than pipes, pumps, and pavement. It is about preparing Upland for the next generation with infrastructure that is safe, resilient, and built to last. These master plans are not just documents; they are the foundation of Building Upland’s Future.
Disclaimer: The Upland Update is an independent community resource and is not affiliated with the City of Upland. This is my personal initiative to keep residents and businesses informed about key issues, city developments, and community events that impact our daily lives. My goal is to ensure you have clear, transparent, and timely information to stay engaged and involved in shaping Upland’s future.
James Breitling
(909) 342-2523
info@theuplandupdate.com
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