Question 1

Why does this pipeline need to be replaced now?

Accepted Answer

The pipeline has reached the end of its design life after approximately 55 years of service beneath Pineview Reservoir and nearly 100 years through Ogden Canyon. The system is currently losing an estimated 1 million gallons of treated drinking water per day. Replacement is essential to protect water system reliability for the more than 120,000 residents who depend on this transmission corridor.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 2

Why wasn't this fixed sooner?

Accepted Answer

Infrastructure projects of this scale require years of planning, environmental review, engineering, and funding assembly. Ogden City secured federal WIFIA funding and has been advancing this project through the required process. The project is now funded, permitted, and ready to proceed.

Question 3

Have you considered all alternatives to lowering the reservoir?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The project team evaluated cured-in-place lining, horizontal directional drilling, barge-based installation, new overland alignments, and deferred replacement. Each was found to be either technically infeasible, more environmentally disruptive, or significantly more costly without meaningful benefit.

Question 4

What happens if the pipeline fails before you can replace it?

Accepted Answer

A catastrophic failure would interrupt water supply to Ogden City and require emergency repairs under far more difficult conditions, at much greater cost, and without the benefit of the current low-water window. This project prevents that scenario. Ogden City maintains some backup supply capacity but cannot fully substitute the 36-inch main in an emergency.

Question 5

How much is this project costing and who is paying for it?

Accepted Answer

The total project cost is approximately $100 million across all phases through 2029. Funding comes from the EPA's Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program, the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and ARPA and state grants. This is not a discretionary spend — this is essential infrastructure investment to protect public health and water system reliability.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 6

Why are you lowering the reservoir during a drought?

Accepted Answer

The reservoir was already going to be lower than normal because of the worst snowpack year on modern record. The construction drawdown is less by that natural low. Water that would normally have been drawn from other reservoirs is being pulled from Pineview this year, meaning other area reservoirs retain more storage. The drought helps create the opportunity to complete the pipeline work.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 7

Is Ogden City causing the low reservoir levels?

Accepted Answer

Pineview Reservoir is projected to be low this season due to drought conditions alone — before any construction-related release. The construction drawdown lowers this level just low enough to gain construction access to the pipeline. Careful management of all reservoirs allows the remainder of the needed drawdown without water waste or loss. The project is taking advantage of those conditions to minimize overall impact.

Question 8

Can't you wait for a wetter year?

Accepted Answer

A wetter year would require significantly more stored water to be released — water the region cannot afford to lose during or after a drought cycle. This window may not recur for many years. Waiting also risks pipeline failure during that period, which would be far more disruptive and costly. The alignment of natural low levels and construction readiness is a rare and responsible opportunity.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 9

How low will the reservoir get?

Accepted Answer

The reservoir will reach an elevation of 4,835 ft.

Question 10

When will the reservoir refill?

Accepted Answer

Refill depends on snowpack and natural inflows from the Ogden River and its tributaries. Construction is targeted to be complete and the dam returned to normal operations by January 2027. Full refill to normal operating levels is contingent on the 2026–2027 winter snowpack.

Question 11

What about secondary water users and irrigation?

Accepted Answer

Weber Basin has already implemented a 20% secondary water reduction for 2026 due to drought. The project team is coordinating with Pineview Water Systems and Weber Basin to minimize additional impacts on irrigation delivery. Released reservoir water is being timed to maximize beneficial downstream use including agricultural users.

Question 12

Where will the water be reclaimed as a result of lowering the Pineview Reservoir?

Accepted Answer

All water released from Pineview Reservoir flows downstream through the Ogden River to the Weber River, where it serves beneficial uses including potable water intake for Ogden City, municipal and irrigation use throughout Weber and Box Elder Counties, and wildlife habitat areas including Willard Bay. No water is wasted, instead it is redistributed within the regional water system.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 13

Is the drinking water supply at risk?

Accepted Answer

No — the project actually reduces risk. The majority of Ogden City's supply flows through this pipeline, and replacement eliminates the risk of catastrophic failure. Ogden City maintains backup capacity through its 24-inch canyon pipeline during construction. Water from Pineview Dam is primarily used for outdoor uses; Ogden City is the only entity treating Pineview water for potable use during summer months. Keeping water in Wanship and Echo Reservoirs benefits Weber Basin's three water treatment plants supplying Davis and Weber Counties, including 30% of Ogden City's water.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 14

What about fish and wildlife in the reservoir?

Accepted Answer

DWR does not expect any visible fish mortality due to low water, but — as a precaution — has increased the daily harvest limit to 12 largemouth or smallmouth bass (a combined total), and one tiger muskellunge larger than 40 inches. There are no harvest limits for black crappie, black bullhead, bluegill, green sunfish and yellow perch. Emergency fish harvest regulations are in effect from July 2, 2026 through Dec. 31, 2026. Ogden City provides supplemental water flows to Willard Bay Reservoir to benefit fish and wildlife.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 15

Will there be losses of fish?

Accepted Answer

DWR expects some fish to be flushed downstream. Many young fish will become prey for larger predator fish like tiger muskellunge and smallmouth bass; however, this would happen anyway due to naturally low water levels caused by the drought. Many of the fish species in Pineview are well adapted to ups and downs in water levels and their populations are expected to rebound over time following refilling of the reservoir.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 16

Do you expect fish to be stranded?

Accepted Answer

It's not likely given the rate of reservoir drawdown. Water will recede slow enough for fish to find deeper water.

Question 17

Will DWR restock fish next year?

Accepted Answer

DWR regularly stocks tiger muskellunge, which are sterile, and cannot maintain populations on their own. This allows them to control numbers of this species. They plan on stocking tiger muskellunge next year. All other species in the reservoir maintain their populations through natural reproduction and will not need to be supplemented with stocking.

Question 18

What is the impact on bald eagles and migratory birds?

Accepted Answer

The United States Forest Service has identified the Bald Eagle as a Regional Forester Sensitive Species with increased prevalence in the project area. Preconstruction surveys of the pipeline easement below Pineview Dam are required by the permittee (Ogden City) before work begins. The project team will comply with all Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and MBTA requirements. The Forest Service is overseeing compliance with these requirements as part of the Categorical Exclusion review.

🔵 Technical Question — Route Through Hotline

For bald eagle and migratory bird questions, contact the project hotline and your inquiry will be directed to the U.S. Forest Service.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 19

Is this project authorized by federal and state agencies?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The project is authorized and overseen by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which owns Pineview Dam and must authorize all release operations. The U.S. Forest Service is completing a Categorical Exclusion review with a Reliance on Analysis for construction within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest. All required Army Corps, Utah Division of Water Quality, and other state permits will be obtained before construction begins.

🔵 Technical Question — Route Through Hotline

For permitting and federal authorization questions, contact the project hotline and your inquiry will be directed to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 20

What happens to the old pipeline — is it being removed?

Accepted Answer

No. The existing pipeline will remain in place at the bottom of the reservoir. A new parallel 36-inch pipeline is being installed alongside it within the existing right-of-way. Once the new pipeline is operational, the existing pipe will be rehabilitated and retained as a redundant backup — giving water managers two independent transmission lines for the first time in the history of this corridor.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 21

What about recreation — boating, fishing, the yacht club?

Accepted Answer

The project team is committed to early and transparent communication with recreation users. Outreach to the Pineview Reservoir Yacht Club, marina operators, and recreation groups will begin at least 60 days before drawdown. It is also worth noting that USFS is simultaneously completing upgrades to Port Ramp Marina: coordinating both projects means better recreation access in 2027 than if the work were done separately.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 22

Is the dam safe during the drawdown?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Pineview Dam is owned and operated by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, which will oversee all drawdown operations. Dam safety monitoring will be maintained throughout the low-pool construction period. All release operations require USBR written authorization and will be executed in compliance with federal dam safety protocols.

Question 23

How will this project affect recreation opportunities and access at Pineview?

Accepted Answer

Anticipated low water levels will gradually render all boat ramps inaccessible. Cemetery Point and Middle Inlet may close earlier than planned for the year. Anderson Cove is expected to remain open all year. Other fee free sites will not be affected, however access to water will be impacted by low water levels.

Question 24

Are there any ecological concerns with Forest Service sensitive species?

Accepted Answer

The project was reviewed by an interdisciplinary team of Forest Service resource specialists. As a result of coordination on the design criteria, any potential effects were minimized.

Question 25

What recreation sites will be inaccessible as the water recedes?

Accepted Answer

Fee sites including Cemetery Point and Middle Inlet may close earlier than anticipated based on the drawdown timeline. Anderson Cove is expected to remain open all year.

Question 26

Do you know how long it will take to refill the reservoir after the pipeline project is complete?

Accepted Answer

An average snowpack and resulting average runoff will fully refill Pineview Reservoir. Refill typically begins in January and increases significantly with spring snowmelt runoff. The reservoir is expected to return to normal operating levels by the end of the 2026–2027 winter and spring season under average conditions.

Question 27

When will refilling begin, after the new pipeline section is installed?

Accepted Answer

The reservoir is scheduled to begin refilling January 1, 2027. Refill is typically slower in the winter months but typically increases significantly with spring runoff as snowpack melts throughout the Ogden River watershed.

Question 28

Does the pipeline section from the wellfield north of the reservoir to Port Ramp Marina run along the bottom of the reservoir or is it buried beneath the bed of the reservoir?

Accepted Answer

The original pipeline was installed in 1970 by trenching in the bottom of the drained reservoir, so the existing pipeline is buried beneath the reservoir bed. The proposed replacement pipeline will be installed in a similar manner — trenched and buried beneath the reservoir bed within the federally authorized pipeline corridor.

Question 29

Do you know when water will be drained, or has that process already started?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the Ogden River has been running higher than normal for this time of year. Water that would normally have been drawn from other reservoirs is being pulled from Pineview this year, meaning other area reservoirs retain more storage. This managed drawdown process is already underway as part of coordinated regional water management in preparation for the construction window.

Question 30

Does lowering the reservoir impact availability of drinking water to Ogden? Or does the water used for consumption come from well fields not impacted by the project?

Accepted Answer

Draining the reservoir will not impact Ogden's drinking water supply. Ogden's existing wellfield will remain fully operational, as will the city's water treatment plant downstream of Pineview Reservoir. The water for the city's wellfield comes from a confined aquifer that is separated from Pineview Reservoir and is not affected by reservoir levels.

Question 31

What does the lowering mean for availability of secondary water? Or is it timed to minimize impact to secondary water users?

Accepted Answer

Because of the drought conditions, WBWCD will be ending their secondary water season within Davis and Weber counties on September 15th this year, so many secondary water users will see little impact because of the proposed work at Pineview. However, other non-WBWCD secondary water suppliers that depend on Pineview Reservoir may be impacted in that secondary water service beyond September 15th is unlikely. While there will be impacts to some secondary water users, the September 15th timing was chosen to minimize impacts to secondary water users while allowing construction to begin as soon as possible in the fall. Starting sooner in the fall will typically provide much better weather and working conditions which will minimize downtime of the reservoir and allow the refill of Pineview Reservoir to begin sooner in the winter.

✅ Sunrise Engineering — Public Involvement Team

Our PI team will assist with your inquiry and direct you to the appropriate Ogden City Communications contact for press interviews.
801-838-8365 · info@ogdencitypipeline.com

Question 32

Are motorized vehicles allowed on the beach or lakebed as Pineview Reservoir water levels recede?

Accepted Answer

Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the beach and lakebed at any time, including areas exposed due to receding water levels, per Code of Federal Regulations 261.13.

Question 33

Will any boat ramp launches at Pineview Reservoir be affected by the project?

Accepted Answer

Anderson Cove and Cemetery Boat Launches will gradually become inaccessible as water levels recede. A full site closure for Port Ramp Boat Launch will remain in effect through 2026 to complete reconstruction of the site.

Question 34

Will there be efforts to improve fish habitat while water levels are lower?

Accepted Answer

DWR is pursuing funding to make strategic fish habitat improvements while reservoir water levels are low. The goal is to install habitat structures near the reservoir waterline so they are submerged early as the reservoir refills, immediately providing refuge and habitat for fish.

Question 35

Will DWR be surveying fish populations at Pineview?

Accepted Answer

DWR will survey the fish populations at Pineview as soon as there is enough water in the reservoir to launch a boat. These surveys will guide DWR's management strategies and help give the Pineview fishery the best opportunity for a successful recovery.