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‘Threading A Needle’ With Recycled Water Pipeline
Las Virgenes Municipal Water District in Calabasas is planning to double the capacity of its recycled water system and provide redundancy by constructing a 9,000-foot, 24-inch pipeline to complement an existing 18-inch pipeline.

“The district has the treatment facilities to recycle 12 million gallons each day,” said Tom Evans, a Dudek principal engineer who is designing the pipeline. However, the district’s Tapia Water Reclamation Facility occasionally discharges excess treated water not utilized for field irrigation into Malibu Creek.

“This project will allow the district in the future to reroute this excess recycled water to various irrigation locations within its western Los Angeles County service area,” added Evans.

The project does have some significant challenges that require diligent engineering and environmental analysis. First, some rock in the pipeline alignment is near-impenetrable volcanic mass. Second, the alignment runs along and through the heavily-trafficked Las Virgenes Road, a major connection between Calabasas and Malibu. Third, part of the pipeline extends through Malibu Creek State Park.

Geologic studies will determine whether the rock can be drilled using conventional equipment. Plans will be analyzed to reroute traffic in the least disruptive way possible. Dudek biologists and environmental planners will coordinate with regulatory agencies including the California Department of Fish and Game and the California Coastal Commission to prepare and process the necessary permits.

“We are essentially threading a needle through a well-established utility corridor,” concluded Evans. “With thorough design plans that account for the various restrictions and environmental considerations, the district will significantly enhance its recycled water efforts.”

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