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Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement Project — Felton/Graham Hill

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Project Overview

The Santa Cruz Water Department will relocate 3.7 miles of the Newell Creek Pipeline out of Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park and under Graham Hill Road, avoiding more environmentally sensitive areas and geologic hazards that have caused past breaks.

The Newell Creek pipeline transports water between Loch Lomond Reservoir, the City’s reservoir, and the Graham Hill Water Treatment Plant. This project ensures continued reliability of this critical water supply pipeline.

The work will occur from the intersection between Graham Hill Road and East Zayante Road in Felton, down Graham Hill Road to Henry Cowell Drive.

Water service is not anticipated to be interrupted by this project.

Project Schedule

Planning: September 2019-May 2020 (complete)
Design: December 2020-August 2023 (complete)
EIR: 2021 (complete)
Bid Solicitation: Spring 2024 - Summer 2024 (complete)
Construction: March 2025 - December 2026 (in progress)

Work will occur from the intersection between Graham Hill Road and East Zayante Road in Felton, down Graham Hill Road to Henry Cowell Drive. Construction will occur weekdays.

Traffic control on Graham Hill Road: Weekdays 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM
Work not requiring traffic control: Weekdays 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Portable changeable message signs will be updated at least one week in advance to reflect any changes to the work schedule. Temporary traffic delays are expected.

A virtual community meeting about the project was held on Wednesday, March 12. Watch the community meeting here.

Project Updates

10/3/25	Update #15
9/12/25	Update #14
8/28/25	Update #13
8/15/25	Update #12
7/25/25	Update #11
7/11/25	Update #10
6/27/25	Update #9
6/10/2025	Update #8
6/6/2025	Update #7
5/30/2025	Update #6
5/16/2025	Update #5
5/5/25	Update #4
4/18/25	Update #3
4/11/25	Update #2
3/21/25	Update #1

Project Contact

Please contact scwdprojects@santacruzca.gov or (831) 420-5383

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Newell Creek Pipeline?

Why is this pipeline project needed?

This pipeline is prone to failures, which have increased in recent years, due to the growing intensity of winter storms, an impact of climate change. This project is part of Climate Resilient Santa Cruz, an ongoing initiative of the City of Santa Cruz that aims to respond to anticipated future impacts from climate change. The Newell Creek Pipeline Replacement Project — Felton/Graham Hill segment will ensure the continued reliability of this critical water supply pipeline.

Why is the current pipeline being relocated?

The existing pipeline segment through Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a high priority for replacement due to its history of failures caused by the steep and active geology exacerbated by increasingly frequent and intense storm events. The pipeline segment will be replaced with a 24-inch diameter pipe along Graham Hill Road. Locating the pipeline in Graham Hill Road helps to avoid environmentally sensitive areas and geologic hazards within Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.

Where is the project going to take place?

What is being done to minimize traffic impacts, especially on Graham Hill Road?

To avoid traffic delays during peak commute rush-hours, working hours on Graham Hill Road are restricted. Please consider using alternate routes during active construction hours, which are weekdays between 8:30AM to 4PM from June 9 to Aug. 6 (hours will be 9AM to 3PM after Aug. 6).

There will be additional active road constructions projects in the region during this time:

An overview map of concurrent projects can be seen here.

What is being done to minimize noise impact for neighbors?

I live on the construction route, will access to my home be impacted?

The contractor is required to allow access to all homes and businesses along the route at all times. However, there will be short periods where active construction will delay normal access. For example, the contractor may need to momentarily stop work and install a plate across an open trench to allow access to a driveway as necessary. Pipeline installation is expected to proceed at an average rate of 60 feet per day, so any one driveway should only experience such a delay for the day that construction is moving past it. When the roadway is re-paved, there may be longer delays requiring communication and coordination further in advance since vehicles will not be allowed to drive over fresh asphalt until it has cooled sufficiently.

Will my water service be impacted?

This pipeline will go past my home. Can I receive water service?

How is this project funded?

This $30 million project is funded from fees collected from Santa Cruz Water Department customers based on water rates, as well as a Community Grant provided through Federal Congressional Directed Spending in an amount of nearly $1 million. Funding for this project is being facilitated by low-interest loans provided by the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act through the USEPA and the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund through an agreement with the State Water Resources Control Board.

Project costs include design, easements, construction, construction management, prevailing wage compliance, and environmental mitigation.

Who is managing this project?

How can I receive updates on this project?