San Vicente Dam, Gravity dam in San Diego County, California
San Vicente Dam is a concrete structure built across San Vicente Creek that stores water in a large reservoir for regional distribution. The installation includes pumping stations and pipeline networks that deliver water to communities throughout the area.
Construction of the original structure began in 1940 and was completed in 1943, providing flood control and water storage for the region. A major renovation in 2014 significantly increased its capacity to meet growing community needs.
The structure represents a shared resource that connects multiple communities across the region in their reliance on managed water systems. Visitors can observe how infrastructure serves as the backbone of daily life for people throughout San Diego County.
Plan your visit by checking current conditions and any access restrictions in advance. The area offers walkways and viewing points where you can see the structure and surrounding landscape from different angles.
The 2014 project raised the existing structure by more than one-third without stopping the daily water supply to the region. These works demonstrate how engineers can expand older infrastructure while keeping it fully operational.
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