The Lafayette City Council is calling for community input on November 25 regarding the future of the iconic Lafayette Reservoir Tower. The East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) plans to shorten the 170-foot tower by 40 feet as part of a seismic retrofit, set to begin in 2025.
While EBMUD asserts the redesign is necessary, a volunteer Citizen’s Committee of engineers and architects argues the tower can be safely retrofitted without altering its height. They also warn that the proposed changes may increase seismic risks downstream.
City leaders have repeatedly urged EBMUD to explore alternatives, but the utility remains firm in its plans. A response from California’s Division of Safety of Dams last week granted additional time to explore solutions. Community voices are now crucial.
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