March Coming in Like a Lion for Sunol Valley Work

The Alameda Siphon #4 contractor - Steve P. Rados - has begun preparations for the shutdown of Siphons #2 and #3, and will work around the clock through May to complete the complicated pipeline tie-ins on time.

The San Antonio Pump Station contractor - Mountain Cascade - has begun demolition work on parts of the San Antonio Pump station as part of the upgrade and seismic retrofit. They do this gently, though, since the pump station can't be out of service for any long period of time.

It doesn't look likely that work will go out like a lamb at the end of the month, does it?

The Light at the End of the Coast Range Tunnel

Despite horrible weather, two small earthquakes, and a lightning strike on the Peninsula, crews completed their work on the Coast Range Tunnel ahead of schedule.

Hetch Hetchy water is flowing back to our customers. The Steve P. Rados team is drying off their rain gear, and preparing to work on the other side of the Valley.

Crews here install huge pipeline connections onto the tunnel face.

Soggy in Sunol

Crews for the Alameda Siphon #4 project continue to work round the clock to finish crucial work during the Coast Range Tunnel shutdown, even during these heavy rains.

The speed of work has slowed some so that workers remain safe. They're still on schedule, though.

3.8 Quake on Calaveras Fault

At 11:48 this morning the USGS reported a 3.8 earthquake on the Calaveras Fault near the Calaveras Reservoir.

There was no detectable damage to the Dam or other SFPUC pipelines and facilities in the Sunol Valley.

Work on upgrading the Sunol Valley water system to make it more reliable after an earthquake continues.

Recent Earthquakes A Good Reminder to Store Water

The recent earthquakes are a good reminder for San Francisco Bay Area residents that it is not a matter of if but WHEN the next big earthquake will strike. We all must prepare.

One of the best and easiest things residents can do is store tap water for emergency use. After a big earthquake, water mains may break and homes may be without water for several days. We are upgrading our pipelines, reservoirs, pumping stations and other facilities to prepare for the next big earthquake.

Store at least one gallon of tap water per person per day to last at least three days. Store in a cool, dry place away from heat and sunlight and change water every six months (pour water on a plant and refill bottle). You can reuse 2 liter soda bottles or use other food grade plastic or metal bottles for storing water.

Learn more at http://www.72hours.org/

Coast Range Tunnel Shutdown Begins

The SFPUC has begun the long-planned temorary closure of the Coast Range Tunnel to perform maintenance and inspections on the tunnel and construct crucial pipeline connections to the tunnel in the Sunol Valley while it has been drained of water.

SFPUC customers will begin receiving water from reservoirs in the Bay Area exclusively until mid to late February.

Here is a view of the ventilation system constructed for this shutdown to keep air flowing through the tunnel.

Not Slowing Down for the Holidays

Work in the Sunol Valley is moving full steam ahead.


The Alameda Siphon #4 Project Team is ramping up for the January shutdown of the Coast Range Tunnel. Here the contractor is unloading a huge, specially-designed fan for use during the shutdown.

Also, the Sunol Valley Water Treatment Plant Project was certified and approved for construction. The project will go to bid on December 18, 2009. Learn more about prequalifying for this project at sfwater.org/prequalify.