26-02-2025
Nighttime work on San Diego's First Aqueduct could impact service in these cities
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego County Water Authority is notifying residents in three cities that their water service could be impacted and to expect nighttime work this week during work on San Diego's First Aqueduct.
Work has been ongoing to extend the life of the historic First Aqueduct, and the San Diego County Water Authority announced the project has reached the halfway point. However, as crews transition to Phase Two of the project, construction will take place around the clock for 10 days from Feb. 23 to March 4.
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The 24-hour construction could impact water service for residents in Escondido, Poway and parts of unincorporated East County. Residents in those areas should also be prepared for noise, bright lights, and heavy construction equipment during nighttime work at any point during that time.
The Water Authority said it is coordinating with local water agencies to minimize the potential for interruptions to water service during construction.
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Work on Phase One of the project began in the spring of 2024 on Pipeline 2 structures. As Phase One ends, Pipeline 2 is being put back in service. The second phase will take Pipeline 1 out of service.
The Water Authority did say most of the 24-hour worksites will be on undeveloped land with little to no impacts to residents or businesses.
The work is part of the 3.5-year Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project and is expected to take place through summer 2026, with renovations to 99 structures along two pipelines that run from North to South County that were constructed in the late 1940s and 50s.
The San Diego County Water Authority's historic First Aqueduct delivers treated and untreated water from just south of the Riverside County/San Diego County border to the San Vicente Reservoir near Lakeside, transporting up to 120 million gallons of water per day to the San Diego region.
'As Phase One of the project moves toward completion, the Water Authority is grateful to the many neighbors and property owners impacted by the construction for their patience and support as this vital work continues. By making these improvements before they become urgent, we avoid more costly repairs and reduce the overall cost of system maintenance, while keeping our water supply safe and the taps flowing,' said Nick Serrano, Chair, San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors.
More information on the Southern First Aqueduct Facilities Improvement Project, including an interactive map where viewers can zoom in to view work areas, can be found at
Residents with questions or concerns about their water service can contact their local water supplier.
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