FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

08-16-12 605AM

Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) is reminding customers and all those using trails along the Contra Costa Canal to respect the fencing and safety signs posted and stay out of the canal. Parents are reminded as well to make sure children understand that for their safety, they must stay out of the canal.

The Contra Costa Canal is the backbone of CCWD’s water delivery system for eastern and central Contra Costa County. During the hot summer months, the canal might look like a tempting waterway for a swim or some fishing; do not be tempted. While the water in the canal looks like it is moving slowly, it is actually moving swiftly, and the current could quickly sweep you away. The sides of the canal are also steep and slippery. Among those dangers, not seen from the surface, are large siphons, tunnels and pumps placed at key locations along the canal that are necessary to move water. These create such powerful suction that the strongest Olympic swimmer would not be able to escape being drowned.

Because of these dangers, CCWD has installed multiple layers of fencing and warning signs along the canal to keep people safe and away from the canal. On occasion, those warnings are ignored and people access the canal by climbing fences. In very unfortunate incidences, people have drowned in the canal after falling over the side or attempting to swim and being pulled down by the current. Do not let this be you or someone you know!

CCWD wants all those near the canal to remain safe and reminds all to stay out of the fenced areas and stay out of the canal.

What should you do if you see someone climbing the fence or in the canal? Report it! In an emergency, dial 911 for emergency response. CCWD’s emergency phone line is also available at all hours at 925-688-8374.

Additional information about the canal and CCWD is available at www.ccwater.com.

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