During repairs to the upstream face of Hodges Dam in 2022, concrete deterioration was discovered on the arch barrels of the dam. This resulted in the state Division of Safety of Dams changing the condition assessment for the dam from “Poor” to “Unsatisfactory.” Under this “unsatisfactory” rating condition, reservoir restrictions (lower than the maximum storage) or other interim risk reduction measures are required. 

An alternatives analysis of various options to repair, rehabilitate or replace Hodges Dam has been completed and the City is now pursuing 10% design for a new roller-compacted concrete dam structure. It is envisioned a new dam could be built by 2034 following the required environmental review, design and permitting processes. 

The City is exploring numerous funding opportunities to minimize the impact on water ratepayers, including FEMA’s High Hazard Dam Grants funding, federal Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovative Program Account, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Water Infrastructure Financing Program, and new federal FEMA Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loans. In addition, the City continues to work with the Governor’s Office to advocate for state appropriations for dam repairs and replacement. 

The City of San Diego currently owns and maintains nine dams under the regulatory jurisdiction of the California Department of Water Resources, Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) which are part of the City’s raw drinking water reservoir system. The City has some of the oldest dams in California, and they are approaching or have exceeded the end of their useful service lives (many are over 100 years old).  

As such, the City has created a dam safety team that has been completing risk assessments, seismic and structural analyses, condition assessments and other technical analyses. The results of these studies are submitted to DSOD, which ensures the City operates its dams in accordance with current safety standards and practices. As issues are identified during studies and inspections, the City acts accordingly. This results in additional studies and analyses being done, completing maintenance tasks and initiating repair projects.