Overview
SFPUC-SCVWD Intertie Pump Station in Milpitas, California, is an operational distribution pump station that facilitates water transfer between the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and Santa Clara Valley Water District.
The SFPUC-SCVWD Intertie Pump Station is a distribution pump station located at 451 S Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, California. It serves as a critical interconnection between two major water utilities in the San Francisco Bay Area, enabling the transfer of water supplies to meet regional demand. The facility is operational and plays a key role in the water distribution network of Santa Clara County. As a distribution pump station, this facility operates under California's water supply regulations and local mechanical/electrical safety codes. The NAICS code 221310 indicates it is part of the water supply and irrigation systems sector. Typical distribution pump stations in California range in capacity from small neighborhood systems to large regional interties, and this station likely has moderate to high flow capacity given its intertie function. The station's environmental significance lies in its role in ensuring water supply reliability for the region. By connecting two major water systems, it enhances redundancy and resilience against droughts or supply disruptions. The facility supports the water needs of millions of residents and businesses in the San Francisco Bay Area, contributing to the overall sustainability of the region's water infrastructure.
Environmental context
The pump station operates in the Santa Clara Valley, a region with a Mediterranean climate characterized by seasonal drought and periodic water scarcity. Its intertie function is vital for managing water transfers between the Hetch Hetchy system (SFPUC) and local groundwater and imported supplies (SCVWD). This redundancy helps buffer against supply variability and supports environmental flow requirements in local creeks and rivers. The facility's operation is integrated with regional water conservation and demand management strategies.
Frequently asked questions
The SFPUC-SCVWD Intertie Pump Station is located at 451 S Milpitas Blvd, Milpitas, California 95035, in Santa Clara County.
This distribution pump station facilitates the transfer of water between the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC) and the Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD), enhancing regional water supply reliability.
The pump station is jointly operated by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission and the Santa Clara Valley Water District, though specific operator details are not publicly listed.
Distribution pump stations in California are regulated by the State Water Resources Control Board, local water district rules, and mechanical/electrical safety codes such as Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations and the California Plumbing Code.
The intertie provides critical redundancy, allowing water to be shifted between two major supply systems during droughts, maintenance, or emergencies, thereby ensuring continuous water service for millions of residents.
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