Imperial council declares emergency, ratifies work to clear and replace canal-fed raw water pipeline

The Imperial City Council on Monday adopted Resolution No. 2025-41 declaring an emergency and ratifying immediate work to restore raw water flow after sediment and debris partially blocked a 24-inch raw water pipeline feeding the city's water ponds.

The action came after staff reported that canal maintenance by the Imperial Irrigation District flushed accumulated debris into the city's intake. A staff member overseeing water operations told the council the pond level had dropped about 24 inches and that a clogged 24-inch asbestos-cement pipe was the likely cause. “We need to replace that section of pipe,” the staff member said, and recommended the council ratify emergency repairs.

The emergency declaration allows the city to pay a contractor on a time-and-material basis to clear the obstruction and replace the damaged pipe. Staff said contractors worked the day of the event to restore flow, but the pipe still requires replacement; the city manager drafted the emergency resolution and staff recommended immediate replacement rather than waiting for a planned project next year. Council voted 5-0 to adopt the resolution and ratify the work.

Why it matters: the intake feeds raw water to treatment and pump systems that supply the city; staff described a risk of a low-level alarm in the raw water ponds after the clog was discovered. The city will also evaluate operational changes to reduce future risk, including alternating use of two supply canals and potential installation of automated headworks to remove debris before it reaches the intake.

Supporting details: staff said the debris included large pieces of plastic and bags pulled from the pipe, and that the affected pipe is likely 60–70 years old and contains an old propeller-type flow meter that worsened plugging. The work is expected to be charged on a time-and-material basis; staff did not provide a final cost estimate at the meeting. The city manager and operations staff will return with follow-up information as repairs proceed.

The council’s vote: motion to adopt Resolution No. 2025-41 and ratify emergency repairs — passed 5-0.

The council also discussed longer-term measures, including hydraulic analysis of switching between the Dahlia Canal and a newer side canal and the possible addition of automated screening (“headworks”) to reduce debris entry into the intake.

The council did not provide a dollar estimate for the replacement at the meeting and staff said final costs are not yet specified.