Improved Pipeline Operations

The Pressure Control and Hydroelectric Facility pressurizes a 22-mile-long section of the Water Authority’s Pipeline 5 between San Marcos and Mira Mesa. Pipeline 5 is a 108-inch-diameter pipeline that conveys imported water in one direction only, from north to south, by the force of gravity. This limits the Water Authority’s ability to move water around the county when imported supplies are curtailed. Enhancements to the pipeline system, including control valves in the facility, a new pump station at San Vicente and the San Vicente Pipeline, will allow Pipeline 5 to transport water either north or south using water stored at the San Vicente Reservoir, improving pipeline operations and keeping water flowing to member agencies.

Hydroelectric Energy Generation

The high-pressure flows in Pipeline 5 will provide an opportunity to generate a clean renewable energy resource for San Diego County. The 4.5-megawatt turbine generator in the facility will operate year-round, reducing the Water Authority’s energy costs while supplying the surplus power to the region.

The amount of clean energy produced is equivalent to the annual energy needs of 5,000 homes. This use of hydroelectric power instead of power from fossil fuel power plants will avoid emissions of over 200 tons of sulfur dioxide and nitrous oxide annually.
 

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