By SDCN Staff
San Diego, CA–Ongoing repairs currently underway at Hodges Reservoir Dam have led the City of San Diego to determine whether more work is needed to address additional defects that were detected and to ensure the safety of the dam.
The discovery will likely delay the completion of this crucial repair project by several months, city officials said.
During a prior inspection, the city identified areas in the dam wall that required repair and needed to be sealed. To access areas on the dam for repair, the water level of the reservoir was lowered approximately 18 feet to an elevation of 275 feet by transferring water to other reservoirs and treatment plants. The lower elevation allowed for the recent discovery of the full extent of the defects, which will likely require the project to continue into spring 2023.
As a result of the lower water level, Hodges Reservoir has been closed for boating and fishing since the project began. The San Dieguito River Park trails and facilities around Hodges Reservoir have remained open to the public during the drawdown and construction work on the dam.
“Our top priority must be preserving the integrity and safety of the 104-year-old Hodges Dam and the surrounding communities,” said Councilmember Marni von Wilpert, who represents District 5. “While I understand that this news is frustrating, public safety and Dam integrity must not be compromised and I thank the Public Utilities Department for their diligent work.”
Hodges Reservoir is normally closed to the public from November through February. Because the repair work will likely continue into spring 2023, possible limited access may be necessary and will be determined early next year. Work was originally scheduled for the summer months to avoid the rainy season and fluctuating water levels at the reservoir.
The city is working closely on the repair project with the state’s Division of Safety of Dams and local water agencies that use the reservoir.
“While this is a setback for the project schedule, it is critical that we do the best job possible to ensure that Hodges Dam remains safe,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department. “The extra work on the repairs will be worth the additional time it takes.”
The city is undertaking a comprehensive effort to analyze, maintain and perform near-term repairs and to identify a long-term strategy for rehabilitation or replacement of its dams, including Hodges Reservoir. This near-term repair project on the 104-year-old dam began in May as part of the city’s continuing efforts to maintain and invest in its infrastructure.
The primary function of the city-owned Hodges Reservoir is to impound water for drinking water purposes. Hodges Reservoir was created with the building of Hodges Dam on San Dieguito Creek in 1918. Operated and maintained by the city’s Public Utilities Department, the reservoir currently serves the San Diego County Water Authority, San Dieguito Water District, and Santa Fe Irrigation District as well as the city.
