The Soquel Creek Water District’s Pure Water Soquel project has three primary elements: water treatment facilities; conveyance pipelines; and seawater intrusion prevention (SWIP) wells. I’m thrilled to share with you that one of those three key components – a set of three SWIP wells – is nearing completion of the well drilling!
The construction of these wells is an important milestone for this project, putting us one major step closer to providing a new, drought-proof, supplemental source of water for the community.
These wells go to a depth of around 500–800 feet and will be used to pump purified water into the groundwater basin. This will help replenish the underground aquifers, raise the water level to create a barrier to seawater contamination, and supplement this source of drinking water.
Part of the work on these wells included drilling activity 24 hours a day, seven days a week for two to four weeks at a time. We are so grateful to the residents near these wells for their patience as the work was underway! The next steps of these SWIP wells will occur in 2022 with installing the well equipment, site improvements, fencing, and landscaping.
Construction of the pipelines is commencing this spring that will transport water to and from the Santa Cruz Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Water Purification Center (to be built at Chanticleer Ave and Soquel Ave), and then carry that ultra-clean water to the SWIP wells for replenishment into the groundwater basin.
Be sure to visit soquelcreekwater.org/PWSconstruction for information about ongoing and upcoming construction for Pure Water Soquel, including maps and schedules, and to sign up for email construction updates. Visit www.soquelcreekwater.org/PWS for background and details about the Pure Water Soquel project.
Monterey SWIP well drill rig and drill bit.
These glass beads are the packing material that goes around the well casing. They allow water to flow out into the aquifer. (Monterey SWIP well)
Welding of the screen well casings at the Willowbrook SWIP well.
Screen well casings at Willowbrook SWIP well.