Tehachapi News

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The City of Tehachapi would like to welcome Jon Curry to the Utility Department, which includes oversight of the water and wastewater services. Jon is currently serving as the City's Utility Manager and has many years of experience in the water field, having worked locally at the Golden Hills Community Services District, and for the past three years with the California Rural Water Association where he was an instructor teaching regulatory requirements to water district personnel. Jon is looking forward to “keeping water system improvements in line with customer demand” and welcomes any questions or comments relating to the city's utilities. We are very pleased to have a staff member with his knowledge and skills on our team. 

Aaron Gamble is another recent addition to the department, and has been working as a water operator for six months. Other experienced members of the Water Department include operators Tom Brown and Tony Macias, who have each been with the city for ten years. The city is fortunate to have their expertise.

The water personnel are primarily responsible for the operation and maintenance of the city's intricate water system.  This system begins with seven wells pumping water up to the storage tank at Highline Road. From there the water flows downhill and gravitational pressure enables the water to reach residences and businesses.
One of the major water projects currently taking place in the city is the T&T Tanks Project, named for Tom Brown and Tony Macias (Aaron was not employed by the city when the tanks were named). These new tanks are located on South Curry Street at Manzanita Lane.

The project consists of the construction of two new tanks, refurbishment of two existing tanks with exterior repainting and interior recoating, landscaping and a safety enclosure. The T&T Tanks Project has been steadily underway for two months and should be completed by late spring or early summer.

The two new tanks will provide an additional 2 million gallons to the city's current water supply, and will increase storage for public safety and security. This increase will be crucial in the event of a large fire or electrical outage. When the project is complete, nearly 2 million gallons of stored water will be available for use.

As always, if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions for this column, please contact me at (661) 822-2200, ext. 105, or email me at ggarrett@tehachapicityhall.com.