Press Release: Urgent Water Conservation Required for All Benicia Residents and Businesses

Due to significant damage to the City’s drinking water transmission line, all Benicia residents, businesses, schools, community organizations, and other facilities are required to immediately reduce water use. 

Benicia Public Works crews are actively assessing the damage and working with contractors to restore the water line as quickly as possible. In response to the situation, the City has declared a Stage 4 “Critical Water Shortage” alert, requiring a 40% reduction in water use citywide. 

Residents and businesses are urged to conserve water by: 

  • Shorten showers to last no more than five minutes. 

  • Run dishwashers and washing machines only with full loads. 

  • Stop all non-essential outdoor water use. No car washing and pool filling. 

The damage occurred near Goodyear Road and Morrow Lane and is unrelated to the 2023 incident near I-680 and Gold Hill Road. To support repair efforts and ensure public safety, traffic will continue to be detoured via Parish Road until all work is completed. 

During this time, the City will rely on its secondary water source, Lake Herman. While water from Lake Herman may occasionally have a natural, earthy taste or odor due to organic compounds, it remains safe to drink and fully meets all State and Federal water quality standards. 

The City will provide regular updates through news media, email alerts, and social media channels. To receive emergency notifications, sign up for Alert Solano at AlertSolano.com.