DATE: January 22, 2025
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Water Utilities Department
TITLE: APPROVE CONTINUATION OF EMERGENCY WORK TO REPAIR THE 6TH AQUEDUCT PIPELINE
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council determine that there is a need to continue emergency work to repair the 6th Aqueduct Pipeline.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
On December 12, 2024, Water Utilities staff identified water surfacing in the southbound lanes of North Santa Fe Avenue near the Mesa Drive intersection. Upon investigation, the source of the issue was traced to the 6th Aqueduct pipeline, a major water transmission line supplying the City of Oceanside. A segment of the transmission line was promptly isolated and taken offline, with no interruption to water service for customers.
The leak was located within a buried valve vault, which has since been uncovered for assessment and repair. City crews successfully drained the transmission main on December 28, 2024, in preparation for the necessary repairs.
To expedite the repair process, Orion Construction, an approved emergency contractor, was contacted on December 13, 2024. This action was authorized under City Code Section 28A.24(a) for emergency procurements through the City Manager's Office. On January 8, 2025, the City Council approved the continuation of repair work as emergency work to ensure the protection of life, health, property, and essential public services.
On January 2, 2025, a leaky Dresser coupling within the valve vault was replaced with a welded steel buttstrap by Field Maintenance crews. A new coupling was not readily available and the estimated lead time was several weeks. The existing butterfly valve was also tested and confirmed to be in good working condition. The Distribution staff attempted to fill the main that evening but were unable to operate a downstream valve that was closed to isolate the main. City crews returned on January 8, 2025 to expose and troubleshoot the ...
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