Water Authority Shuts Down Untreated Water Pipeline in Mission Trails Park Following Failure

October 05, 2008

The San Diego County Water Authority is repairing a pipeline in a remote section of Mission Trails Regional Park after…

The San Diego County Water Authority is repairing a pipeline in a remote section of Mission Trails Regional Park after a section of it failed early Sunday just north of the San Diego River.

No injuries were reported and initial assessments indicate that property damage was limited to erosion in the park from the release of approximately 3 million gallons of untreated water from the pipeline, known as Pipeline 4, into the San Diego River. Water service to homes and business was not affected.

The Water Authority is investigating the cause of the failure. Emergency repairs began late Sunday and will continue on a 24-hour-a-day basis until completed. The Water Authority is advising the Regional Water Quality Control Board and other relevant local and regional agencies of the failure.

Pipeline 4 is a 72-inch pre-stressed concrete pipeline constructed in 1977. It delivers untreated water to the City of San Diego’s Alvarado Treatment Plant, Lower Otay Treatment Plant, and the Sweetwater Authority’s Perdue Treatment Plant.

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  • The San Diego County Water Authority sustains a $262 billion regional economy and the quality of life for 3.3 million residents through a multi-decade water supply diversification plan, major infrastructure investments and forward-thinking policies that promote fiscal and environmental responsibility. A public agency created in 1944, the Water Authority delivers wholesale water supplies to 22 retail water providers, including cities, special districts and a military base.

    Media Contact Information

    Jordan Beane

    Phone: (858) 221-3975

    Email: jbeane@sdcwa.org