Santa Cruz launches $39 million water infrastructure overhaul

During a recent Santa Cruz city council meeting, officials discussed the pressing need for infrastructure improvements, particularly focusing on the Newell Creek pipeline replacement project, which is part of the Climate Resilience Santa Cruz initiative. The project aims to replace aging water pipelines that are critical to the city's water supply, with much of the existing infrastructure dating back to the 1960s and even the late 1800s.

City representatives highlighted that the water system relies almost entirely on locally sourced surface water, making the integrity of the pipeline essential for maintaining water quality and supply. The aging infrastructure has been increasingly prone to breaks, particularly during extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change, such as heavy rainfall and wildfires.

The Newell Creek project will replace approximately four miles of pipeline, relocating sections from Pipeline Road to Graham Hill Road to enhance accessibility and reduce the risk of environmental impacts during repairs. The construction is estimated to cost $30 million, with funding sourced from a WIFIA loan and a state revolving fund loan, alongside nearly $1 million from a community grants program.

Council members expressed their commitment to thoughtful problem-solving in light of community feedback and the complexities surrounding the project. The construction phase is expected to last nearly two years, which will impact local commuters, prompting the city to develop a communication strategy to keep residents informed about detours and project developments.

The meeting underscored the city's broader commitment to climate resilience, with plans for additional infrastructure improvements over the next five years aimed at ensuring a reliable drinking water supply for the community.