Ogden Canyon
36-Inch Pipeline
Replacement

As work continues on the Ogden Canyon 36-Inch Water Transmission Pipeline Replacement Project, Ogden City is preparing to begin construction on the Pineview Reservoir crossing — one of the most complex and visible segments of this multi-year infrastructure improvement effort. This section of pipeline connects the wellfield north of Pineview Reservoir to the transmission system at Port Ramp Marina and is a critical component of the water delivery infrastructure serving more than 120,000 customers in the Ogden area. Construction timing is being finalized through ongoing coordination with partner agencies and is expected to begin this fall.

The existing pipeline has been in service for approximately 55 years beneath Pineview Reservoir and nearly 100 years through Ogden Canyon. It is experiencing significant water losses estimated to exceed one million gallons per day and is reaching the end of its service life. Replacement is expected to provide significant water savings by reducing losses from aging infrastructure while helping maintain the long-term reliability of Ogden City’s water delivery system. The project will also help protect against failures that could interrupt service to homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and public services throughout the community.

Utah’s 2025–2026 water year has produced the lowest statewide snowpack on modern record, and Pineview Reservoir is already projected to reach low levels independent of this project. These conditions create a unique opportunity to complete critical infrastructure work at a time when the reservoir is naturally lower than normal, reducing the impact that would occur during a typical water year. Any water released to support construction will remain within the broader water management system, where it will continue to serve beneficial uses and be managed through existing storage and delivery facilities, including Willard Bay.

The project does not require fully draining Pineview Reservoir. Crews will lower water levels to install the new pipeline alongside the existing one within the federally authorized pipeline corridor. The existing pipeline will remain in service during construction and will afterward be rehabilitated as a redundant backup line — giving water managers two independent transmission lines for the first time.

The project reflects close coordination among Ogden City, Weber Basin Water Conservancy District, Ogden River Water Users Association (Pineview Water Systems), the Bureau of Reclamation, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources. These partners have worked together throughout planning and design to support long-term water reliability, responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements. All reservoir release operations will be authorized and supervised by the appropriate agencies and conducted in compliance with state and federal water rights laws.

Ogden City recognizes the importance of Pineview Reservoir as a recreational resource and has worked closely with recreation stakeholders throughout project planning. The timing of this work is intended to minimize impacts to recreational use by taking advantage of naturally lower reservoir levels during a drought year. Project partners have been coordinating with marina operators, the Pineview Reservoir Yacht Club, and other recreation partners and will continue providing updates as construction schedules are finalized.