Image updated 7/24/2010
Construction on the Upper Chiquita Reservoir continues to move forward since its groundbreaking in June 2009. The photo, which views the UCR project looking north towards the Saddleback Mountains, shows the actual cut of the reservoir from end to end. Since construction began in June, more than 360,000 cubic yards of soil have been moved.
 

Upper Chiquita Reservoir

July 2010 - The 244-million gallon Upper Chiquita Reservoir has been under construction for one year, and Santa Margarita Water District is pleased with the progress it has made as work continues on the new reservoir. The project has been delayed due to the winter rains this year and is expected to be completed in early 2011.

"Construction is moving forward and the reservoir is taking shape," said Dan Ferons, Chief Engineer for Santa Margarita Water District.

Since the project broke ground in June 2009, more than 1.4 million cubic yards of earth have been excavated from the canyon floor. All of the excavated material has been reused on the project, which will reach an elevation of 860 feet.

As part of the project, the District is laying more than 2,800 feet of pipe that connects the reservoir to south Orange County's main water distribution network. The District has completed a large portion of the pipeline installation along Oso Parkway, near the 241 Toll Road. Additional night time work is scheduled in July to install electrical conduits under Oso Parkway.

The pipeline also connects with the reservoir's own pump station, which will treat the reservoir's water. District officials say construction of the pump station is currently underway and will be complete by the end of the year.

"The Upper Chiquita Reservoir is the largest new domestic water reservoir built in south Orange County in decades," adds Ferons. "When operational, it will provide a great benefit to the community by further improving local water supply reliability."

According to SMWD, reliability investment projects such as the Upper Chiquita Reservoir, South Orange County Interconnection Project and the Baker Treatment Plant Project further augment the District's ability to meet customer demands during planned or unplanned shutdowns.

When complete, the Upper Chiquita Reservoir will provide drinking water to approximately 168,000 South Orange County families (or about 500,000 individuals) for one week in the event of an emergency or planned service disruption.

Click here to watch video of the groundbreaking ceremony that marked the start of construction on the Upper Chiquita Reservoir.

Click here to watch video of the Upper Chiquita Reservoir's progression from July 2009 to July 2010.


Click an image to view full resolution aerial photograph. (Taken August 20, 2010)

Want more information about the Upper Chiquita Reservoir?

For more information about the project, please call 949-459-6400 or email us at info@smwd.com

Click below to read our updated Upper Chiquita Reservoir Fact Sheet.

The Upper Chiquita Reservoir is a new emergency water storage facility by the Santa Margarita Water District in partnership with Moulton Niguel Water District, South Coast Water District and the cities of San Juan Capistrano and San Clemente. Upon completion in December 2010, the reservoir will provide South County water agencies with up to 244 million gallons of emergency drinking water – enough to supply more than 168,000 local families with 200 gallons of domestic water per day for one week in the event of a regional or statewide water service disruption.

 

The Reservoir | Public Safety | Environmental Protection | Home