Water district exploring $150 million worth of projects to lower
system vulnerability
Without sufficient preparation, a major earthquake could disrupt water delivery in the county for up to two months, according a study released last week by Santa Clara Valley Water District.
“Safeguarding our facilities that treat and deliver drinking water continues to be our top priority,” district CEO Stan Williams said. “Our focus now is to work with our partners to invest in long-term improvements to ensure the reliability of the water supply when we most need it.”
The study simulated two earthquake scenarios. A magnitude 7.9 quake along the San Andreas Fault, one nearly 10 times greater than the 1989 Loma Prieta temblor, would knock out service for a month. Imported water delivery could be interrupted for 60 days.
To limit the county’s vulnerability, the district is spending $2 million to purchase and store replacements pipes and hardware. An adequate supply of replacement pipe could cut in half the time it takes to restore services.
In the long term, the district is exploring a $150 million series of projects that could restore services in as few as seven to 14 days. That plan involves sinking new wells to increase groundwater access, technology improvements and incentives for water retailers, including the San Jose Water Company and the cities of Morgan Hill and Gilroy.
Matt King covers Santa Clara County for The Times. He can be reached at 847-7240 or mk***@gi************.com.
