Where did you go, arroyo?

The arroyo (or creek) on our campus is currently dry. While we miss the beloved water feature that runs the length of the campus, we are taking advantage of the extremely rare opportunity to explore what is underneath!

With the help of our Theater Operations Supervisor, Michael Tipton, you are taken on a short trip into the vault that holds the water underneath the concrete creek. 

Quick Facts:

-This room is underground and accessed through a hatch. 

-This underground space is about 10' high and about 12' wide and about 120' long. 

-When the arroyo is in operation, this room is filled to the top with 108,000 gallons of water. 

Our staff descends into the vault not just to see what's down there, but rather to remedy a blockage that is preventing the water from running efficiently. 

Stalacites! Yep, just what it sounds like. Like what you would find hanging from the ceiling of a cave. 

Strainers While not pretty, these strainers are important! They keep debris (like plastic bags) from actually getting sucked into the system and damaging the pumps.

Ready for camera! The water is completely drained out. Now a flexible scope with a camera goes into the system to locate the blockage.

Treasure is found! Or, well…a quarter, at least. Are people making wishes in the arroyo? (Note: this is not what caused the blockage.)

Long way back. The work here is done, and we take a final look at the length of the vault, from one end to the other.

In no time at all, the north-to-south flowing arroyo will be back in action, back to being the reliable babbling brook that is so often the backdrop for family photos or a splashy playground for our young visitors. In fact, by the time you read this, it will probably be flowing freely, once again!