As the sounds of a generator echoed through Glendale's largest reservoir, about 15 residents descended 32 feet underground into the facility's large concrete chamber.
“Just thinking that I'm standing where I'll be drinking water from is an amazing experience,” said Hector Lavanchy, whose home neighbors the Diederich Reservoir.
Wednesday marked the first time the public could view the south section of the reservoir, which has been undergoing construction improvements for more than a year. The reservoir services about 50% of Glendale residents, and has a 58-million-gallon capacity.
“We use this water every day. You flush your toilet, you put on your sprinkler, we get the water out of here,” said GWP Civil Engineer Pat Hayes.
The $5.9 million project included installing thousands of feet of steel water main, replacing 10 valves that allow water to gush into the chamber, as well as putting in new drain pipes.