San Lorenzo Valley Water District (SLVWD) is moving forward to replace 12 water tanks to improve reliability, capacity and drought resiliency.
The tanks to be replaced include older, wooden tanks made of redwood, as well as plastic tanks that were damaged in the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. The old tanks will be replaced by six new 120,000 gallon bolted-steel tanks, greatly increasing system reliability and water storage.
The tanks are located at several sites, including the Redwood Park Tank, Echo Tanks, Highland Tank, Felton Heights Tank and South Tanks. The project is funded by a $4.5 million Department of Water Resources’ 2022 Urban Community Drought Relief grant, plus a $1.5 million match by SLVWD.
“This is a critically important project for the District and we’re excited to be moving forward,” said Brian Frus, SLVWD interim general manager. “Older tanks made from wood are vulnerable to leaks and other major problems, while some plastic tanks were jeopardized in the CZU fire. Replacing these tanks is part of our ongoing work to transform our aging infrastructure, also including water mains, throughout the District.”
The tank upgrades will happen over the next two years as part of SLVWD’s Capital Improvement Projects, which are important to ensure the community’s aging water systems continue to serve customers into the next century.
SLVWD is updating and upgrading pipelines, tanks, pump stations and more to ensure reliable water service to customers. Learn more at slvwd.com/projects.
San Lorenzo Valley Water District is located in the mountains of northern Santa Cruz County and serves more than 7,900 metered connections. Established in 1941, the District supplies water to the communities of Boulder Creek, Brookdale, Ben Lomond, Zayante, Quail Hollow, Scotts Valley, Whispering Pines, Manana Woods and Felton.
