California Water News Daily Your Source For Water News in California
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) is set to begin work on two key projects which are a part of the ongoing modernization of Castaic Dam in Los Angeles County. The department will oversee the installation of new equipment to monitor the dam’s stability and work to strengthen the dam’s intake tower access bridge. The projects are to reduce the risk of the dam failing or other major damage caused by a major earthquake.
“These projects are important to helping us ensure Castaic Dam continues to operate safely and provides reliable and affordable water supply,” said DWR Deputy Director Ted Craddock, who oversees the State Water Project. “In addition to providing water supply for Southern California, Castaic Lake offers many recreational opportunities for surrounding communities.”
Monitoring equipment known as piezometers will be installed in wells adjacent to the dam’s east side. The piezometers will measure groundwater trends over time to monitor the dam’s stability. DWR will install a total of nine new piezometers and decommission three aging piezometers to improve data collection capabilities for reliable and accurate data.
Following the piezometer work, DWR will begin construction on Castaic Dam’s intake tower access bridge. The bridge work project includes strengthening the tower bridge piers. Work is expected through spring 2022.
The pier work requires the temporary drawdown of Castaic Lake. During the drawdown, which begins this month, all visitors are advised to stay safe during fluctuating water levels by being aware and staying away from hazards in the water. The reservoir will reach a low elevation of 1,380 feet above mean sea level by fall 2021. The water level will be lowered by over 100 feet during this period. By spring 2022, Castaic Lake will return to normal operations with water levels based on available conditions at that time.
For more information about the Castaic Dam Modernization Program, visit the DWR website.
