Benicia orders immediate 40% water cut as crews fix major pipeline damage

Benicia officials ordered all residents, businesses, schools and other organizations to reduce their water usage by 40% immediately after a major pipeline was damaged on Wednesday.

Benicia, which has a population of about 26,000, declared a Stage 4 “critical water shortage” on Wednesday after the city’s main drinking water transmission line was damaged. City crews were on the scene near Goodyear Road and Morrow Lane, assessing the water main break and working with contractors to restore service.

This isn’t the first time the city has gone through an urgent water-line problem. In 2023, a pipeline broke on Interstate 680 and Gold Hill Road, but officials said Wednesday the incident at Goodyear Road is unrelated. 

Officials are asking residents to avoid the area as repairs continue.

While the line is down, Benicia is relying on its secondary supply at Lake Herman in the hills north of the city. The city cautioned that water drawn from the lake may occasionally carry a natural, earthy taste or odor due to organic compounds.

However, officials emphasized that the water remains safe to drink and meets all state and federal standards.

Officials urged residents and businesses to conserve water as best they can, and are suggesting keeping showers to five minutes or less, running dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads, and stopping all nonessential outdoor water use. That includes car washing and filling pools, officials said. 

The city is sharing updates on its website and urges residents to sign up for alerts at AlertSolano.com