A little over two months ago, Rich Jarvis noticed his backyard had become a victim of standing water and began to try and find the source of the additional water. He determined it was coming from the canal behind his home and has been working with local agencies to find a resolution.
Located near Rose and W. Cypress Road in Oakley, Jarvis explained on Tuesday that he believes its coming from the canal behind his home.
“The top of my soil was wet in my backyard and it hadn’t rained in a month which was a good clue something was wrong. This same canal leaked about 10-years ago where they had to drain it and re-seal it. Apparently it’s doing it again,” said Jarvis.
He reached out to the Oakley City Council on August 13, 2013 to alert them to the issue and share the Contra Costa Water District would be in Oakley doing some tests where they checked roughly 950-ft of canal.
Here is a brief recap of the conversation during public comments.
He explained to the Oakley City Council that he has lived here for 36 years nd the back of his house is against the water canal and says its leaking and not the first time as it leaked 10-to-12 years ago. He explained how the Contra Costa Water District says its ground water and he disagreed with them.
“Right next to my fence, when I dig a hole, I am finding standing water 4-inches from the surface of the ground I have wet ground in my backyard, a third of my yard is wet ground, its not standing water, its just wet. The closer I dig to my house, the lower the water level,” said Jarvis.
He shared he was talking to Contra Costa Water District and said at first they were trying to blow him off, but now he is talking to a Supervisor who is coming out to check the holes and water. They also will take samples and check the walls. He wanted the council and city to be aware.
Even with the water issue still occurring in his yard, Mr. Jarvis is pleased with how Contra Costa Water District has responded.
“I am actually very pleased . Especially with the person I am dealing with, the supervisor Steve, he has been very helpful in this here… they came across with what they were going to do in a timely manner,” said Jarvis.
According to Jennifer Allen, Director of Public Affairs for the Contra Costa Water District, she explained that on Tuesday a dive inspection did not find any obvious leak coming from the canal, however, full results should be available in the coming weeks.
“Approximately 950 feet of the canal was inspected. The District is continuing to work with the homeowner to investigate, including taking water samples from the area. Those results will be available soon,” said Allen.
Oakley Councilwoman Diane Burgis came out to observe the test as a way to support a local resident of her city.
“I went out there because I was interested in making sure that our residents are treated well. I was also curious about how water behaves in the ground because of the restoration work I do and it interacts with the canal. I wanted to support the homeowner in this process and see what was going on,” said Burgis. “I am impressed with the Contra Costa Water District because they took this seriously and had several people investigating this issue.”
Ms. Allen encourages anyone who has concerns with standing water or a possible leak to contact the District to get crews in motion to respond.
“Leaks may be tied to breaks in underground water distribution pipes, irrigation lines, or several other potential sources. District crews will be dispatched to determine the source of the leak,” said Allen.
During normal business hours, call (925) 688-8095 and ask for Operations. After hours, call (925) 688-8374.
For more information on the Contra Costa Water District, visit their website
1 comment
Be careful, they may want to turn your yard into a wetlands refuge for some rare duck or frog. ;>)
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