Landslide water reuse feasibility
Summary
A joint FAC/IMAC subcommittee spent months studying whether the roughly one million gallons a day pumped from the Portuguese Bend landslide could be sold for irrigation to golf courses and neighboring agencies. The report says it's technically feasible and could net about $2.2 million a year with grants — but Prop 218, potential public-utility status, electricity costs, and unknown state and local water regulations make it risky. The committee filed the report for the council to decide whether to pursue it further.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Apr 27, 2026.
Impact analysis
Could generate roughly $2.2 million a year with grants — or about half that without — against more than $5 million a year in existing dewatering costs.
Residents could see the landslide's dewatering costs partially offset, and local golf courses and parks would get discounted recycled irrigation water.
None directly identified, though ratepayers could bear risk if grant funding fails and the city becomes subject to utility regulation.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee (IMAC) (Special) - Apr 27, 2026
The committee's water reuse study went to council April 7; council was supportive but filed the report, citing big unknowns like steady water supply — the city isn't ready to get into the water business yet.
City Council Meeting - Apr 7, 2026
Two citizen committees studied whether the millions of gallons pumped out by landslide stabilization wells could be treated and sold for irrigation. The math didn't work — about $7.2 million in costs for thin revenue — so the council shelved the idea unless grants materialize.
Infrastructure Management Advisory Committee (IMAC) - Special Meeting - Jan 21, 2026
The joint IMAC/FAC subcommittee concluded that reusing water pumped from the Landslide Complex doesn't pay for itself — roughly $7 million in capital costs, mostly pipe, against at best a few hundred thousand dollars a year in revenue. The report recommends pursuing the project only if major grants cover the costs. It now goes to City Council.
Finance Advisory Committee Meeting - Jan 15, 2026
A joint FAC/IMAC subcommittee spent months studying whether the roughly one million gallons a day pumped from the Portuguese Bend landslide could be sold for irrigation to golf courses and neighboring agencies. The report says it's technically feasible and could net about $2.2 million a year with grants — but Prop 218, potential public-utility status, electricity costs, and unknown state and local water regulations make it risky. The committee filed the report for the council to decide whether to pursue it further.
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