Background

The Newell Creek Pipeline conveys raw water to and from the Loch Lomond Reservoir which is the City’s most important raw surface water storage facility.  The pipeline is critical to supply the water system during dry seasons as well as during storm events.  The pipeline was constructed through active mountainous terrain circa 1960 and since construction, has had the complication of subsequent development around it.

Project Need

The Newell Creek Pipeline is reaching the end of its useful life and is experiencing an increased frequency of breaks due to corrosion and land movement along its alignment through the active geology of the Santa Cruz Mountains.  This project is intended to ensure continued reliability of this water supply transmission main.

Project Description

Extending 9.5 miles from the toe of the Newell Creek Dam to the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant, replacement will be phased into three or more projects based on each segment's risk priority and cost.  This project includes a condition assessment, segment prioritization, program-level environmental review, and will be followed by rehabilitation and/or replacement of the pipeline.  The first 2,200 lineal foot segment is scheduled to begin construction in 2020 as part of the Newell Creek Dam inlet/outlet replacement project.

CEQA documents for the project are posted on the Environmental Documents page.

Project Objectives

• Replace an existing critical transmission pipeline used to transfer raw water to be treated and supplied to City of Santa Cruz customers.
• Restore reliability of primary water supply infrastructure.

Project Components

• Overall project includes approximately 9.5 miles replacement of 24-inch pipeline between the Loch Lomond Reservoir and the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant.
• Highest priority segment for replacement runs between the Felton Booster Pump Station and the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant.  An alternative alignment follows Graham Hill Road to avoid risk prone geology, environmentally sensitive areas, and a narrow construction corridor through Henry Cowell State Park.
• Second highest priority replaces a short segment adjacent to the San Lorenzo River in the Brackney Road area where landslides are prone to threaten the existing pipeline.

Project Schedule

Construction Impacts: Temporary traffic delays and detours around active construction areas.

Project Contacts

Felton/Graham Hill: Doug Valby, P.E.  dvalby@santacruzca.gov,  Phone: (831) 420-5212

Brackney: Lewis Kay, lkay@santacruzca.gov, Phone: (831) 420-3218

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