Metropolitan advances project to help communities vulnerable in droughts

Above, a rendering of the Sepulveda Pump Stations Project. Below, the Sepulveda facility during a 2022 field inspection trip.

Metropolitan will soon begin construction on a project to bring additional sources of water to Southern California communities hit particularly hard by the state’s last drought.

The Sepulveda Feeder Pump Stations Project will push Colorado River water and stored supplies from Diamond Valley Lake into communities that currently have limited access to these resources. These communities rely almost exclusively on water from the northern Sierra, delivered through the State Water Project.

The board voted July 8 to authorize an additional $54 million to complete design and begin construction. The project consists of building two new pump stations that, when needed, can push DVL and Colorado River water into northern Los Angeles and southern Ventura counties, reversing normal flows in the existing Sepulveda Feeder pipeline. Construction on the first of the pump stations is expected to begin later this year. Completion of the approximately $280 million project is expected in early 2029. 

Read the press release.

“Two years ago, when State Water Project deliveries were severely curtailed because of the record-breaking drought stressing our state, these communities – home to nearly 7 million people – did not have the water they needed to meet demands. Residents and businesses were required to dramatically reduce their water use. In response, our board committed to take immediate action to avoid such water supply shortages in the future. With this project, we are fulfilling that commitment, moving quickly to address this problem.”

Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr.

Webb Tract receives statutory exemption for restoration projects

Metropolitan board members highlight need for legislation to streamline the Delta Conveyance Project

Director Karl Seckel, representing the Municipal Water District of Orange County

Director Anthony Fellow, representing Upper San Gabriel Valley Municipal Water District

Director Jacque McMillan, representing Calleguas Municipal Water District

Metropolitan earns national sustainability award for new earthquake-resistant pipe

Crews install a section of earthquake-resistant pipe on the Casa Loma Siphon project in 2022.

Metropolitan's groundbreaking project to replace a nearly century-old portion of the Colorado River Aqueduct with one of the largest earthquake-resistant pipelines in the world has earned national recognition for sustainability and resilience.

The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure awarded the Casa Loma Siphon project its prestigious Envision Silver Award. The five-mile-long siphon is a critical piece of the system delivering Colorado River water to Southern California. Crossing the Casa Loma fault in the San Jacinto Valley, the 148-inch concrete and steel pipe had been damaged over time by earthquakes and subsidence from groundwater pumping.

The $37 million project replaced 1,200 feet of the existing line with two parallel barrels of 104-inch diameter Earthquake-Resistant Ductile Iron Pipe that is designed to withstand ground movement. The project was the first to use earthquake-resistant pipe of this magnitude outside of Japan, where the technology was developed. 

“Metropolitan is honored to receive this recognition for our work to make Southern California’s water supply resilient to earthquakes and climate-related risks. This investment increases our overall reliability for the many communities we serve,” said Assistant General Manager John Bednarski.

Read the press release.

Metropolitan recognized for transparency and accuracy in financial reporting

The Financial Reporting Section of the Controller’s Office celebrates the recognition for excellence in financial reporting.

For demonstrating transparency and full disclosure in its annual financial report, Metropolitan has again received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. The recognition is awarded by the Government Finance Officers Association to state and local government agencies that meet a high standard of financial reporting and accountability. 

"While the Financial Reporting Section of the Controller’s Office leads the preparation, this report is truly a collaborative effort," said Controller Joy Mayor. "It takes input, support and diligence from many teams across the organization to compile a comprehensive and transparent financial picture for Metropolitan." 

A new partnership to protect forest health and California's water supply

Metropolitan has partnered with Blue Forest, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, to conduct three pilot investigations that will evaluate the potential benefits of protecting forest health in northern Sierra watersheds, including the Upper Feather River Watershed – headwaters of the State Water Project. These partnerships are aimed at reducing the risk of wildfires in the watershed to protect communities and critical infrastructure, including State Water Project infrastructure.

Last month, Metropolitan board Chair Adán Ortega, Jr., Director Jacque McMillan and executive staff toured the Upper Feather River Watershed to see the restoration work that is underway and learn more about the impacts of the 2021 Dixie Fire on the watershed and its communities. They also met with local leaders to discuss concerns, and hear their thoughts on what can be accomplished through partnership.