top of page

​

A 47 mi (76 km) aqueduct in the U.S. state of California is the Contra Costa Canal. Its construction started in 1937, with completion postponed until 1948 due to labor and material shortages in the Second World War. As the Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, a biking and walking trail, a portion of the canal's right of way was built and is maintained by the East Bay Regional Park District.

 

Canal uses

 

For agricultural, commercial, and municipal water purposes, the Contra Costa Canal is used. The canal is fenced off from the public due to the water used for the supply of water to various cities. The canal provides water for the Central Valley Project's biggest urban contractor, the Contra Costa Water District. It is part of the Central Valley Project to drain Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta water from Rock Slough as far as Martinez, California in Central Contra Costa County, operated by the United States Bureau of Reclamation.

 

Social impact

 

In 1940, a three-day water arrival celebration took place from the Contra Costa Canal to the city of Pittsburg. Pittsburg became attractive due to its drinkable water, resulting in the building of homes and a growing population in the area, per the Canal's relation to the region. Owing to the improvement in water quality that exceeded their local water supplies, local residents were pleased with the new arrangement.

 

Public concerns

Accidents and prevention

 

Since 2000, eight people have drowned, with reasons ranging from trespassing to car crashes. Because of falling into the canal and having difficulty coming out, many people drown because the canal has a steep structure and the sides are slippery. The water current is up to 12 mph and can take individuals through areas 6 to 8 feet deep and 18 feet wide. Putting up chain link fences across the canal, placement of warning signs, childhood education, distribution of pamphlets, telephone numbers to report people, and giving out fines from $25-$500 are ways to avoid trespassing and minimize deaths in the canal. For all various kinds of operations, though, individuals still leap or cut fences to get into the canal.

 

Safety education

For public viewing, the Contra Costa Water District has developed and posted a video on YouTube and on their site called "Staying Healthy Along the Contra Costa Canal." In the event of an emergency, safety exercises are held to prepare canal employees to save people from the canal. There are canal patrol officers as well.

 

Recreation

Contra Costa Canal Trail

Via central Costa County, the trail runs along the Contra Costa River, linking regional trails. It connects schools, public transit, and commercial areas. It was established by the Water District of Contra Costa, the Reclamation Bureau, and the Park District. Bikers, cyclists, pedestrians, and horse riders are publicly accessible.

​

Pleasant Hill, California has some of the most picturesque hiking trails in the region.  Here’s our top list This amazing attraction is located near the following must-see sights in Walnut Creek, California:
 

  • Paso Nogal Park

  • Las Juntas Open Space

  • Hidden Lakes Park

  • Briones Regional Park

  • Mount Wanda Trailhead 

  • Pleasant Hill Park

  • Acalanes Ridge 

  • Bear Creek Staging Area
     

All of these wonderful hiking trails are located just a short distance from our location at 1261 Locust Street in Walnut Creek, California!

Contra Costa Canal Trail
bottom of page