Diego Sanchez, TLNA Contributor

The San Diego County Water Authority’s historic First Aqueduct plays a crucial role in delivering water to the San Diego region. This vital infrastructure, responsible for transporting up to 120 million gallons of water per day, undergoes yearly inspections and maintenance to ensure a safe and reliable water supply for residents.

Importance of the First Aqueduct

The First Aqueduct, constructed by the federal government after World War II, comprises two pipelines—Pipeline 1, built in the 1940s, and Pipeline 2, built in the 1950s. These pipelines stretch from just south of the Riverside County/San Diego County border to the San Vicente Reservoir near Lakeside. The aqueduct’s significance in providing treated and untreated water to 23 member agencies across San Diego County cannot be overstated.

Maintenance Schedule

From February 25 to March 5, portions of the First Aqueduct will be temporarily shut down for inspections and maintenance. This shutdown, a part of the Water Authority’s Asset Management Program, focuses primarily on the southern portion of the aqueduct. The work includes isolating sections of the pipeline, some of which are over 65 years old, as part of a comprehensive pipeline structure rehabilitation project slated to span the next 12 months.

Minimizing Impacts

While such maintenance activities are necessary, they can potentially disrupt water services for residents and businesses. To mitigate these impacts, the Water Authority is working closely with member agencies and advising residents in affected areas, including the City of Poway, City of San Diego, Helix Water District, and Ramona Municipal Water District, to reach out to their local water providers for assistance or information.

Investment in Infrastructure

The Water Authority’s commitment to maintaining a robust water supply infrastructure is evident through its ongoing investments. With 308 miles of pipelines serving the region, constant assessment, inspection, repair, and replacement are crucial tasks. Utilizing the latest inspection technologies such as electromagnetic scanning, robotic inspections, and 3-D tunnel inspections, the Water Authority aims to detect and address pipeline defects proactively, thus preventing potentially costly issues down the line.

Safeguarding San Diego’s Water Supply

The yearly inspections and maintenance of San Diego’s First Aqueduct underscore the region’s dedication to ensuring a dependable water supply for its residents and businesses. By prioritizing infrastructure upkeep and leveraging innovative technologies, the San Diego County Water Authority continues to safeguard the integrity and reliability of this critical component of the region’s water system.

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