The Orange County Water District (OCWD; the District) will soon begin construction on the Alamitos Barrier Improvement Project in Seal Beach. The project will strengthen the barrier infrastructure that protects the Orange County Groundwater Basin from seawater intrusion along the Los Angeles County-Orange County line. Seventeen injection wells and three monitoring wells will be constructed along the flood control channel west of the Leisure World active senior community and east of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power's Haynes Generating Station. In addition, one deep monitoring well and two shallow monitoring wells will be constructed within Leisure World.

Injection wells force fresh water into coastal aquifers to keep seawater out of the basin. Monitoring wells allow staff to collect water levels and groundwater samples for analysis to determine the overall performance of the seawater barrier. Both types of wells are necessary for OCWD to continue to protect its valuable groundwater resource.

Construction is scheduled to begin in January 2016 and last for approximately two years. In order to protect the integrity of the wells, construction activities will take place up to 24 hours a day. In order to minimize noise, sound walls will be installed along the flood control channel and inside Leisure World. Access to residences, businesses, schools, churches, and parks in the area will remain open and available. For more information, project updates, or to request a project presentation, please call the OCWD Construction Hotline at (714) 378-8244 or email info@ocwd.com.