Reservoir

Lafayette Reservoir Construction Updates

Lafayette Reservoir Construction Stakeholder Update | August 2026

Crews began shortening the Lafayette Reservoir Tower in early July. The work began with the removal of the existing operating house, followed by the removal of 13 concrete rings from the tower stem. This work is on schedule for the tower to reach its new, shortened height by the end of this week, August 21.

EBMUD and their contractor have begun work on the new metal operating house that will be installed at the top of the shortened tower. Before the new operating house can be installed, crews will complete new corbels (supports) and construct the floor within the existing tower. The operating house work will be completed by November 2026.

As the seasonal environmental work window closes later in the Fall of 2026, crews will pause work on the tower components and return during the next permitted work window in the Spring of 2027 to install the new underwater slide gates and electric motor operators. The overall Tower Safety Upgrade Project remains on schedule for completion in the Fall of 2027.

Upcoming Milestones:

• Tower Shortening: The tower shortening work that began in early July is nearing completion. Crews have removed the existing operating house and 10 of 13 rings from the tower stem. We expect the tower to be at its new, shortened height by the end of this week, August 21.
• New Operating House: EBMUD and our contractor have begun fabrication and preparation of the new metal operating house. Once the tower reaches its new height, crews will complete the new floor and corbels before installing the new operating house by November 2026.
• Tower Completion: Following the installation of the new operating house and completion of the electrical work, final testing and commissioning activities will be performed to restore the tower to service. The tower modifications and construction of the new operating house are anticipated to be completed by the Fall of 2026. The tower is expected to return to full operational status by the Fall of 2027.

What Visitors will Notice:

• Debris Off-Hauling: Demolition debris generated during the tower shortening work has been brought to shore and loaded onto trucks for off-hauling from the reservoir area using the Acalanes Road onramp, completely avoiding downtown Lafayette.
• Visitor Access & Impact: There are no planned vehicular closures associated with the Tower Safety Upgrade Project. Intermittent traffic flagging will continue at the park entrance to manage heavy equipment, construction vehicles, and debris transport. Visitors should expect changing conditions and localized delays while driving and walking inside the park.
• Visible Tower Changes: Visitors will notice a significant change in the appearance of the outlet tower as the structure has been shortened by approximately 40 feet. The tower remains surrounded by scaffolding and protective construction materials as crews continue working on the new operating house and associated infrastructure.
• Noise & Active Construction: Both the Tower Safety Upgrade and the Wastewater Collection System Improvements projects remain active concurrently through the Fall of 2026. Visitors should expect ongoing construction noise and active construction crews near the Lakeside Nature Trail and barge ramp area.
• Trail Activity & Traffic Flagging: Visitors on the paved Lakeside Nature Trail may see crews moving equipment and construction materials across the trail to reach the park’s exit road. Flaggers will remain stationed at the main entrance gate and along the trail, as needed. Visitors can expect occasional 10 to 15-minute delays for pedestrians on the trail and vehicles entering or exiting the park.
• Media and Public Information Presence: EBMUD will continue providing public updates regarding this significant infrastructure milestone, and the project’s progress will be documented across official communication channels. Visitors should expect regional media outlets to be on-site at various times as the tower reaches its new height and construction progresses toward completion.
• Commemorative Feature Inquiries: EBMUD has received questions from the community regarding the potential salvage of commemorative debris items from the original tower. EBMUD continues to consider ways to salvage what we can as the structure is shortened for seismic safety, with plans to create a historic token for the public. We will follow up with stakeholders once a formal plan is established.
• Project Context & Concurrent Activity: Lafayette Reservoir is EBMUD property, and current activity at the site reflects both EBMUD’s Lafayette Reservoir Tower Safety Upgrade and the ongoing Wastewater Collection System Improvements project. These upgrades are essential for infrastructure improvements focused on safety, seismic reliability, and long-term reliability to ensure EBMUD can continue to manage reservoir water levels and protect the surrounding watershed.
• Recreation at the Reservoir: Fishing, hiking, and picnic use, will remain open during construction, though visitors should expect changing conditions near the project sites, including an increased presence of equipment, noise, and minor delays. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we move forward with these vital infrastructure improvements. While EBMUD will work to maintain recreational access, portions of the recreation areas are active construction zones. We appreciate the public’s patience, situational awareness, and cooperation with temporary detours or delays at Lafayette Reservoir.

Project Resources:

• Project Webpage: ebmud.com/lafayettetower
• Lafayette Reservoir & Water System Projects Overview: ebmud.com/lafayetteprojects
• February 26 Community Meeting Recording: YouTube Link
• Sign up for EBMUD Alerts: ebmud.com/customers/alerts

Any project-related questions from residents or visitors can be directed to EBMUD at construction-east@ebmud.com or 510-287-2053.

The Lafayette Reservoir

For current Lafayette Reservoir information please visit their website here: https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/lafayette-reservoir/. For information about current construction, see HERE.

About the Lafayette Reservoir

The Lafayette Reservoir is located off Mt. Diablo Boulevard on the west end of Lafayette. Completed in 1933 the reservoir is a standby supply of drinking water for East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) customers. The 925 acre site with a 1.4 billion gallon reservoir was opened to public recreation in 1966 with hiking, fishing, boating and picnicking.

Fishing at the reservoir has a daily fee and the usual state license requirements and bait restrictions apply. The State Department of Fish and Game plants thousands of trout each year joining bluegill, black bass, black crappie and several kinds of catfish.

Privately owned rowboats, canoes, kayaks and sailboats are allowed at the reservoir. There is a fee for boat registration. In addition, there are rowboats and pedal boats for rent at the activity center on an hourly, half-day, or all-day basis.

The recreation area is also open for bicyclists, (and for those who prefer roller skates, roller blades and scooters) on the paved Lakeside Trail (2.7 miles) and roads, however, no skateboards.

Surrounding the reservoir are 35 picnic sites to accommodate families and small groups. Most picnic areas are located near the dam; others are scattered around the reservoir. Sites can be reserved in person at the Lafayette Visitor Center. There is a prepaid reservation fee required. Please call 925-284-9669 for specific information.

Open fires and barbecues outside of developed areas are not allowed.

There is an entrance fee to the main lot as well as short term (metered) parking. Annual passes are also available.

The area is open year-round during daylight hours. Opening and closing times are posted at the gate.

For further information including current fees and hours, call the reservoir at 925-284-9669 or visit the Lafayette Reservoir website.