REGION — The San Diego County Water Authority has reached the halfway mark in a significant infrastructure project to extend the life of the historic First Aqueduct, a critical component of the region’s water supply system.
The $66 million Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement project aims to enhance the reliability of water delivery by renovating 99 structures along two large-diameter pipelines stretching from North County to South County.
“The First Aqueduct has served our region for over 70 years, and this investment is about making sure it continues to do so reliably,” said Nick Serrano, chair of the Water Authority board of directors. “This project is a great example of our water bills at work – ensuring that the infrastructure delivering safe and clean water to our homes and businesses remains strong for generations to come.”
The First Aqueduct, which serves 11 water agencies across San Diego County, has operated for over seven decades. The project focuses on two parallel pipelines built in the late 1940s and 1950s.
The 21-mile-long construction work begins north of Escondido and east of Interstate 15, continues south through Escondido, Poway, Rancho Bernardo and unincorporated areas of San Diego County, and ends at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside.
The project’s funding comes from water bills collected across the region as part of the Water Authority’s Capital Improvement Program.
Work began in spring 2024 on Pipeline 2, with the first phase scheduled to conclude at the end of February. The second phase will focus on Pipeline 1, keeping one pipeline in operation at all times to minimize service interruptions.
“As Phase 1 of the project moves toward completion, the Water Authority is grateful to the many neighbors and property owners impacted by the construction for their patience and support as this vital work continues,” Serrano said. “By making these improvements before they become urgent, we avoid more costly repairs and reduce the overall cost of system maintenance while keeping our water supply safe and the taps flowing.”
To expedite the transition to the second phase, construction crews will work around the clock from Feb. 23 to March 4 at seven locations, most of which are on undeveloped land, minimizing impacts on residents and businesses.
The Water Authority is working closely with member agencies to minimize disruptions. Residents with questions about water service should contact their local provider. Questions about the project can be directed to the Water Authority at [email protected].
For more details, including an interactive map showing work locations, visit www.sdcwa.org/first-aqueduct.
