A San Diego County water district is moving to replace a decades-old pipeline serving Rancho Santa Fe and nearby communities before it fails, part of a broader scramble across California to fix crumbling water infrastructure before it breaks.

The Santa Fe Irrigation District is seeking contractors for the La Granada Pipeline Replacement and PRS Elimination Project, which will swap out aging pipe and remove outdated pressure regulating stations that are no longer needed. The district serves about 27,000 people in unincorporated areas including Rancho Santa Fe and Fairbanks Ranch.

Much of California's water infrastructure was built during population booms between the 1940s and 1970s and is now reaching the end of its 50 to 75-year lifespan. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives the state's drinking water systems a C- grade and estimates a $45 billion funding gap over the next two decades.

The project reflects a shift toward proactive replacement rather than waiting for main breaks. Eliminating the pressure regulating stations suggests the district is modernizing its system design. Older multi-zone systems required pressure regulation between zones, but newer materials and approaches allow for more efficient configurations.

The district is accepting sealed bids now. The project is designated J-2501 in the district's capital improvement plan. Construction timelines will be finalized after a contractor is selected.