With construction getting underway on a new 36-inch water transmission pipeline between Pineview Reservoir and the city’s 23rd Street reservoirs, Ogden City Communications Director Mike McBride told the Standard-Examiner that the city is doing everything it can to make sure the new pipeline can succeed.

“The City of Ogden is committed to safeguarding the critical water infrastructure in Ogden Canyon to ensure long-term reliability, safety, and sustainability,” he said in an email this week. “Recent lessons from events like the Los Angeles Fire have underscored the importance of building resilience into public utilities. Ogden City has proactively implemented measures to enhance its water system’s resiliency, including strategic land acquisitions, robust maintenance programs, and investments in infrastructure improvements. The 36-inch steel water pipeline is central to these efforts, a vital component of the city’s water supply system. By addressing challenges such as aging infrastructure, unauthorized encroachments, and rugged terrain, Ogden City is ensuring reliable water delivery.”

He said the city has even taken to purchasing land in parts of the canyon for this goal.

“Two strategic land acquisitions in Ogden Canyon will play a pivotal role in supporting critical resiliency measures,” he said. “By securing properties that house or provide access to essential water infrastructure, the city ensures uninterrupted operation of these critical assets.”

According to McBride, the two pieces of land include these parcels serving as the following:

• “The Cobbles” at 244 Ogden Canyon Road (purchased in winter 2019): “During the course of nearby development, substantial quantities of rocks and fill material were relocated to the property, resulting in approximately 30 feet of additional overburden over a 500-foot segment of the pipeline,” he said. “The Cobbles development also had installed their septic field on the top of the transmission line, but it has since been relocated. This significant increase in overburden presented numerous risks and operational challenges.”
• 866 Ogden Canyon Road (purchased in summer 2024): “The 866 Ogden Canyon property acquisition is a strategic initiative by Ogden City to safeguard its critical water infrastructure,” McBride added. “Located adjacent to Black Point Weir–a vital water production and transmission component–this property plays a pivotal role in ensuring the reliability and resilience of the city’s water supply system. The acquisition underscores the city’s forward-thinking approach to infrastructure management, addressing both current operational needs and long-term planning requirements.”

McBride said these points are especially important.

“Reliable access to the 36-inch steel pipeline is critical for both routine inspections and emergency repairs,” he said. “The pipeline’s location in challenging terrain–including steep slopes and densely vegetated areas–necessitates significant access improvements to ensure uninterrupted service. Addressing these challenges involves securing permanent, safe, and efficient access routes for maintenance crews and equipment. Without these improvements, response times to potential issues could be delayed, leading to service disruptions and operational inefficiencies.

“Limited easements and restricted access points exacerbate these challenges, increasing operational costs and the reliance on temporary solutions or detours. Additionally, the rugged nature of the terrain makes inspections and repairs more labor-intensive and time-consuming. The presence of unauthorized developments, structures and garages, within the pipeline’s easement complicates maintenance efforts.”

McBride said construction on the new pipeline is underway and largely concentrated around Pineview Reservoir but has yet to enter the canyon.

The pipeline project will be completed in phases through 2029.

For more on the project, visit https://www.ogdencitypipeline.com.