Walking the line

摘要

Six years ago, under pressure to more clearly delineate its boundaries, the San Diego County Water Authority launched an aggressive right of way management program. Older rights of way had not been well maintained, so landowners were uncertain of their land use rights. Much of the rural land the pipelines cross was converting to industrial use, requiring precise knowledge of boundaries before building occurred. To clear up confusion and enforce the agency's boundaries, four inspectors traverse the agency's entire pipeline system—175 miles of easement that carry three pipelines ranging from 24 inches to 9 feet in diameter—once a week. The system provides treated and untreated water to 23 member agencies, including the city of San Diego.