Cottonwoods Connection
Protecting Our WaterWho We Are
The Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy is dedicated to ensuring a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water to its member cities in a safe and efficient manner. To fulfill this commitment, the district focuses on maintaining proper access to the aqueduct corridor and related structures, minimizing liability exposure, and maximizing the safe delivery of water.
The Salt Lake Aqueduct (SLA) was constructed in 1951 and will eventually need to be replaced. In preparation for this future replacement, the district has implemented a long-range maintenance program that includes hazard mitigation measures like seismic upgrades. By prioritizing the upkeep of the aqueduct corridor, the district aims to ensure uninterrupted water supply and facilitate continued growth in the region.
The district is committed to maintaining a reliable water supply and ensuring the safety and efficiency of water delivery. The district’s long-term maintenance program includes measures to mitigate hazards, protect the aqueduct corridor, and maximize the safe delivery of water. The planned construction project involving the new pipeline parallel to the Salt Lake Aqueduct ensures that the water supply remains uninterrupted during the replacement of the aging Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant, resulting in significant water conservation.
What We Are Doing
The Salt Lake City Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) is undertaking a project to demolish and reconstruct the Big Cottonwood Canyon Water Treatment Plant (BCWTP). During the duration of this project, the BCWTP will be offline, and as a result, SLCDPU plans to divert water from Big Cottonwood Creek to the Metropolitan Water District of Salt Lake & Sandy’s (the District) Little Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (LCWTP) located at 9000 South Danish Road.
Why We Are Doing This
The primary purpose of this new pipeline is to enable the water typically treated at the BCWTP to be diverted to the LCWTP during reconstruction. By doing so, approximately 24,000 acre-feet of water, equivalent to the amount required by 110,000 people annually, can be saved. The district is committed to maintaining a reliable water supply and ensuring the safety and efficiency of water delivery. The district’s long-term maintenance program includes measures to mitigate hazards, protect the aqueduct corridor, and maximize the safe delivery of water. The planned construction project involving the new pipeline parallel to the Salt Lake Aqueduct ensures that the water supply remains uninterrupted during the replacement of the aging Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant, resulting in significant water conservation.
Where We Are Working
To accommodate the construction of a new state-of-the-art treatment plant, the District is planning a new pipeline that parallels the Salt Lake Aqueduct (SLA) between the Big Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (BCWTP) at the mouth of Big Cottonwood Canyon and the Little Cottonwood Water Treatment Plant (LCWTP) in Cottonwood Heights. The new pipeline will direct the water normally treated at the BCWTP to the LCWTP for treatment during reconstruction.
When We Are Working
The anticpated project schedule runs through 2026. Please check back as needed for updates to this schedule.
Design Process
The project team has performed geotechnical studies to assess the soil conditions, slope stability, and seismic risk for the upcoming pipeline work. These studies play a crucial role in determining the appropriate alignment and materials to be utilized in the project. By understanding the geotechnical properties of the area, we can ensure the durability and longevity of the pipeline infrastructure.
Other studies include hydraulic analysis to determine water flow rates and pressures, and a transient surge analysis to determine dynamic pressures in the pipe. At present, the design process is nearing 90% complete with decisions about the project’s alignment and the materials to be used also being made. We emphasize the importance of meticulous evaluation to ensure the success of this project and its long-term reliability.
Your Property and Easements
As you may or may not be aware, many properties along the Salt Lake Aqueduct (SLA) have an easement for this vital water delivery pipeline. This easement carries certain restrictions for development, landscaping (large trees) and explains large swaths of land without development along Danish Drive, Deer Creek Road, and Nutree Drive.
The SLA is a significant infrastructure component, consisting of a large 69-inch diameter pipeline that provides drinking water to over 400,000 people in Salt Lake City, Sandy City, and numerous other users within Salt Lake County. It plays a vital role in supplying clean and safe drinking water to the region.
To facilitate the transfer of water from the BCWTP to the LCWTP, a new pipeline is required. This pipeline will run parallel to the west of the existing SLA within the boundaries of the existing easement on adjacent properties. To proceed with the project, the district must acquire a new easement specifically for the new pipeline from property owners along the pipeline corridor.
Over the next several months, the district will be contacting impacted and affected property owners to initiate the easement acquisition process. They will provide you with detailed information and guidance on the necessary steps involved. The acquisition team is well-versed in handling such matters and will be available to address any questions or concerns you may have.
We understand that this development may raise additional inquiries, and we are committed to keeping you informed throughout the process. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we work together to ensure the successful completion of the project and the continued delivery of safe drinking water to the community.
Should you have any immediate questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to assist you and provide any necessary support.
Stay Informed!
To stay informed about the progress of the MWDSLS project and receive regular updates, we invite you to join our mailing list. By subscribing, you will receive timely information about project milestones, significant developments, and other relevant announcements.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Cottonwoods Connection project. We value your support and look forward to sharing further updates with you as we move forward. Should you have any questions or require additional information, please feel free to reach out to us.
Project Partners
