The Sly Park Intertie (SPI) pipeline located in Pollock Pines is a critical component for water supply transmission and reliability. Originally constructed in 1978 under emergency conditions following the 1976-77 drought, the SPI remained operational until 2013 when it became inoperative due to leaks caused by advanced and extensive corrosion.
Spanning six miles, the SPI is a vital link between the District’s Reservoir 1 and Reservoir A water treatment plants, which together provide two-thirds of the District’s total water supply to our customers.
The replacement pipeline and accompanying pump station will enable the District to access water supplies from Jenkinson Lake and the South Fork American River and facilitate delivery throughout the District’s service area while providing operational flexibility and improved reliability.
Funding for the project includes a $10 million grant from the California Department of Water Resources and a $750,000 grant from El Dorado County funded by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Given the escalating threat of wildfire and severe drought conditions, the urgency to replace this vital transmission link cannot be overstated and it is an essential project.
The environmental review for the project has been finalized with construction tentatively scheduled for the summer of 2024.
