Parallel Paths: Overseeing Two Pipeline Rehabilitation Projects in Southern California

The Sepulveda Feeder pipeline is an integral part of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California's (Metropolitan) Regional Water Distribution System. The 8-ft diameter pipeline extends approximately 42 mi from Granada Hills to the South Bay and supplies treated water to the City of Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Torrance, and the West Basin Municipal Water District's service areas. Metropolitan initially inspected the Sepulveda Feeder and assessed that the pipeline required rehabilitation at three locations. During the project, it was discovered that urgent rehabilitation was required on another pipeline in Metropolitan's distribution system in Orange County. Metropolitan determined that the sections of pipe required a standalone, fully structural internal rehabilitation. As a result, the utilization of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) was found to be the most efficient in terms of cost, access, street-side disruption, and environmental impacts. This concurrent work was performed by a 20-person crew. Rehabilitation of this critical infrastructure will extend the service life of these pipe segments at least 50 years, per the American Water Works Association C305 Standard.