Published on September 09, 2022
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2022
CONTACT
Andrea Rodriguez
Communications Manager
(707) 331-2040 (mobile)
Sonoma Valley Aqueduct Leak Repairs Underway
(Sonoma, CA) – Repairs will begin on Monday, September 12, on a 16” pipeline near the Verano Avenue bridge crossing of Sonoma Creek. The pipeline, known as the Sonoma Aqueduct, serves the City of Sonoma and the Valley of the Moon Water District (VOMWD).
No service interruptions are expected to Sonoma or VOMWD water customers. City of Sonoma and VOMWD, have informed us they have adequate water storage and local water supplies to meet the demands of their customers while repairs are underway. Traffic controls will be in place and delays are possible in the area. The repairs are anticipated to take up to seven days. Argonaut Construction will assist with the investigation and repair.
A leak in a mainline valve of the aqueduct was discovered on August 17, when Sonoma Water crews found that a chunk of concrete from a buried retaining structure adjacent to the bridge abutment had settled onto the underground pipeline. The bridge abutment is intact and structurally sound.
Given the location of the leak and the complexity of removing the concrete resting on the pipe, Sonoma Water determined that all materials and parts should be on-hand prior to commencing repair of the pipeline. Due to supply chain issues, some parts were delayed for several weeks.
Environmental resources staff conducted an immediate assessment of Sonoma Creek and found no observations of fish or other species mortality and found no chlorine in the creek. As a precautionary measure, the water is being dechlorinated onsite. The California Office of Emergency Services, San Francisco Regional Water Quality Control Board, and regulatory agencies have been notified of the leak.
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Sonoma Water provides water supply, flood protection and sanitation services for portions of Sonoma and Marin counties. Visit us on the Web at www.sonomawater.org