As a matter of routine reservoir operation, a combination of chlorine and ammonia will be added to the water reserve at Upper Chiquita Reservoir to destroy harmful and "nuisance" organisms, including disease producing, pathogenic organisms. When used together, the two substances produce a more stable disinfecting residual than chlorine alone.

SMWD has proactively addressed concerns related to these chemicals on the site, namely aqueous ammonia and sodium hypochlorite, which are routinely present at reservoirs and many commercial facilities. These materials will be transported, stored, and utilized in compliance with all federal and state regulatory and environmental guidelines, minimizing the potential for spills, exposure and fires to less than significant levels.

One of the reasons the Upper Chiquita site was chosen for the reservoir was because its remote location in the hills creates an additional buffer between the facility and neighboring homes. In addition to eliminating view impacts, the safety procedures in place concerning chemicals on the site are heightened by the distance from local neighborhoods.

Additional information about materials on the site can be found in the draft Environmental Impact Report.