Location map (click to enlarge)

As proposed, the Upper Chiquita Reservoir will be located on approximately 27 acres within the City of Rancho Santa Margarita, at the northern portion of Chiquita Canyon, just north of Oso Parkway and just west of the 241 Toll Road.

The reservoir will be one-eighth of a mile east of the Las Flores residential community; over a ridgeline and approximately one mile west of the Wagon Wheel residential community; 600 feet north of Oso Parkway; approximately 1,100 feet from Tesoro High School; and 300 feet west of the 241 southbound off-ramp and toll booth.

Reservoir Benefits

• Will hold 244 million gallons of emergency drinking water – enough for 168,000 families to use for one week
• It’s safe – no significant public safety risks
• Will be included in the South County Natural Community Conservation Plan to sensitively manage area habitat
• Increases local fire fighting capabilities
• Will help SMWD and other agencies meet Metropolitan Water District’s seven day storage requirement