California aqueduct repairs are complete

Department of Water Resources officials reported today that the California Aqueduct near Bethany Reservoir in Alameda County, is back at full capacity following major repairs to fix a leak discovered June 5.

July 10, 2001

2 min read

SACRAMENTO, Calif., July 9, 2001—Department of Water Resources officials reported today that the California Aqueduct near Bethany Reservoir in Alameda County, is back at full capacity following major repairs to fix a leak discovered June 5.

While repairs were underway, deliveries were maintained by borrowing water from the federal Central Valley Project's Delta-Mendota Canal and by drawing down the level of Lake Del Valle.

Under the direction of DWR's Division of Engineering, repairs were performed by the Teichert Construction Company and its subcontractors and were completed about two weeks ahead of schedule.

Normal water movement resumed July 6 after an interruption of 25 days. A 1,200 foot stretch of the aqueduct was dewatered to allow work on the canal embankment and the concrete canal liner.

DWR Field Engineer Jim Peddy confirmed today that two temporary cofferdams built to allow the dewatering have been completely removed and that the water is again flowing unimpeded. "The water's at a depth of 28 or 29 feet flowing at 9,030 cubic feet per second," said Peddy. "That's full capacity."

Repair costs are estimated at about $3 million and will be paid by water agencies with long-term contracts to purchase State Water Project water.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.

Visit DWR's Website at http://wwwdwr.water.ca.gov.