Pure Water San Diego’s new water pipeline construction has expanded to University City and is expected to continue until summer, bringing a change of pace to residents and the neighboring schools alike.
According to a Pure Water San Diego report, the Morena Pipelines Northern Alignment and Tunnels Project, which runs through both Governor Drive and Genesee Avenue, “…will carry wastewater north to the North City facilities for purification, and one 30-inch brine line will carry the byproduct from water purification south to the Point Loma Wastewater Treatment Plant” (sandiego.gov).
“To address San Diego’s water demand challenges caused by a limited local supply, increased demand on imported water and climate change, the city is investing in advanced water purification to secure a high-quality, safe, local, and drought-proof water supply for the future,” according to the report (sandiego.gov).
Residents will still have access to the avenue. “One lane plus a bike lane (where possible) in both directions will be maintained on Genesee Avenue during construction,” as per the report (sandiego.gov).
Principal Michael Paredes advises students, staff, and residents to “… approach each day with patience and try to leave a little bit earlier… maybe looking for alternative routes if that’s feasible.”
Paredes added, “Some of our folks who live in the community might consider walking to school or walking to work for our staff members. Perhaps even riding a bike. Carpooling is also a great alternative. Think about ways to have fewer vehicles coming into school.”
Senior Kennedy Selleck, who estimates that she lives about five minutes away from UC High, said that the project, “…adds anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes to my drive.”
Although Selleck admitted that “…it’s made getting to and from work/school difficult for a lot of people,” she acknowledged that “…the purpose of the construction is great and the decision to locate it on Genesee is most likely well thought out. It probably makes a lot of sense to the city planners.”
The report added, “Upon completion, Pure Water San Diego will provide nearly half of San Diego’s water supply locally by 2035” (sandiego.gov).
“Overall, we are going to have huge benefits in terms of maintaining a stable and sustainable water source as water supply is going to be a big deal later on. Instead of needing trucks to transport water it can be done automatically, which is better for the environment,” said Selleck.
“This is one of those situations where, when it’s all set and done, it’s going to look a lot nicer on Genesee,” said Paredes.