The Central Arizona Project is made up 336 miles of canals. Certain pipes called siphons allow the water to flow under the canals and natural rivers.
Two weeks ago, CAP partially shut down the Salt River Siphon in Mesa, which delivers almost 75% of all water to customers.
Darrin Francom with CAP said the siphon is a large diameter steel pipe that requires preventative maintenance.
“Inside there we’re blasting off, with water, the old coating and installing a new coating to extend its expected life span,” Francom said.
Francom said all downstream customers are being affected, but they were given notice of the shut-off years in advance, and many are temporarily switching to other water providers.
The project is expected to be completed by mid-December.
