Major renovations to the Anderson Dam in Santa Clara County will commence Wednesday, according to KTVU.
The decade-long and multi-part project requires the dam to be drained and not used for 10 years.
Over the first three years, crews will construct a tunnel adjacent to the dam to allow more water to be released during a storm or emergency.
After the tunnel is finished, the dam will undergo a large retrofit over the next seven years in order to strengthen the its earthquake protections.
The timing of the renovations has caused controversy as they come amid a historic drought across Northern California. However, officials told KTVU that this is a vital project for flood protection and will protect the public for years to come.
“Valley Water’s priority is the health and well-being of our community,” Santa Clara Valley Water District Director John Verela wrote last month on the Morgan Hill Times. “Having enough clean water is crucial for our region, particularly as we face this next drought, and strengthening Anderson Dam will help us protect our regional water supply, ensure public safety, and provide environmental benefits.”
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