Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement

Project Overview

The Newell Creek Pipeline transports water between Loch Lomond Reservoir, the City's reservoir, and the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant. Constructed in 1960 and extending 9.5 miles from the toe of the Newell Creek Dam to the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant, the pipeline is critical to supply the water system during dry seasons as well as during storm events.

Pipeline replacement will be phased into three or more projects based on each segment's risk priority and cost:

Newell Creek Dam

The first 2,200 lineal foot segment was constructed in 2020 as part of the Newell Creek Dam inlet/outlet replacement project.

Felton/Graham Hill Road

This phase involves relocating the existing 18- to 27-inch pipe, which travels through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, to under Graham Hill Road. The 4.5-mile segment of the pipeline is prone to storm damage. This project will avoid more environmentally sensitive areas and geologic hazards that have caused past breaks. See a project overview and more information here.

Brackney

This phase replaces a shorter segment adjacent to the San Lorenzo River in the Brackney Road area that is prone to landslides which pose a major threat to the existing pipeline.

The City of Santa Cruz is overseeing implementation of the project and is committed to being good neighbors during construction. Please read our Good Neighbor Commitment(PDF, 55KB) to learn what you can expect from us.

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

Project Schedule

  • November 2021: Administrative Draft EIR released for public review
  • January 2021: Notice of Preparation of project EIR
  • November 2020: Begin Design of Brackney and Felton-GHWTP segments
  • Spring 2025: Begin Construction of Brackney and Felton-GHWTP segments

Project Contacts

Felton/Graham Hill

Doug Valby, P.E.
(831) 420-5212
dvalby@santacruzca.gov

Brackney

Lewis Kay
(831) 420-3218
lkay@santacruzca.gov

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