Coastside Water District Faces $34M–$350M Dam Fix as Board Says Farewell to Infrastructure Expert

The Coastside County Water District (CCWD) Board said farewell to its longest-tenured infrastructure expert and absorbed a stark briefing on the enormous price tag to repair the community's primary reservoir — all while managing a wholesale rate surprise that will add roughly $150,000 to the district's annual water bill.

• SFPUC outlines $34M interim fix and up to $350M long-term overhaul for Pilarcitos Dam, rated "poor" by state regulators

• Board honors Director Glenn Reynolds after 14 years; resignation leaves a vacancy and an expertise gap at a critical moment

• Wholesale water rate increase jumps from projected 1% to 7.4%, driven by declining consumption across the Bay Area

• New Carter Hill prestressed concrete tank goes live, with July dedication planned

• Board approves $37,270 blower to keep drinking water compliant with tightening federal standards

The basics: Pilarcitos Dam, built in 1863 and expanded in 1913, is the Coastside's primary water source. The California Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) has rated it "poor" — the lowest classification before failure — citing concerns about its emergency release structure, spillway, and the dam itself. A 20-foot water-level restriction is in effect, cutting usable reservoir capacity roughly in half.