Tag Archive for: Miramar Reservoir

The shoreline firepits at Lake Jennings are especially popular during the summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings reservoirs

San Diego Regional Reservoirs Offer Summer Activities

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Although San Diego County is best known for its beautiful beaches, it is also home to more than 20 freshwater lakes and reservoirs. These bodies of water offer a variety of recreational opportunities.

Lake fishing lets anglers hook catfish, bluegill, carp, crappie, sunfish, bass, and trout. Water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, boating, rowing, and wakeboarding on the calm waters. For families, barbecue and picnic areas offer the perfect location to spend the day by the lake.

Many of San Diego County’s most popular reservoir recreation areas offer seasonal events through Labor Day to celebrate San Diego County’s beautiful summer weather.

Summer In Full Swing At Santee Lakes

Night fishing is a popular activity at Santee Lakes during the summer months. Photo: Santee Lakes

Night fishing is a popular activity at Santee Lakes during the summer months. Photo: Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes offers a variety of summer activities, including fishing, camping, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and entertainment. The park also features playgrounds, a sprayground at Lake 1 to cool the kids and their adult friends, and hiking trails. For campers, there is laser tag on Friday nights. 

Enjoy live music with the “Summer Jams on Deck” series featuring music on select Fridays and Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

More than 230 species of birds migrate through or call Santee Lakes home. Photo: Santee Lakes reservoirs

More than 230 species of birds migrate through or call Santee Lakes home. Photo: Santee Lakes

Santee Lakes has seven lakes where fishing is permitted, with options for both day and night fishing (for campers with a permit). If you’re new to fishing, “Fishing 101” is offered on select Saturday mornings through September. A park ranger can offer tips both for beginners and seasoned anglers. Meet at the General Store from 8 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Check the website Events Calendar for dates.

Originally opened to the public in 1961, today, Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve hosts over 760,000 visitors annually. The 190-acre park’s lakes are stocked with fish year-round. Other amenities include cabin rentals, boating, facility rentals, and approximately 230 bird species.

Lake Jennings Open For Summer Fun

Fishing hours are extended at Lake Jennings during summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings

Fishing hours are extended at Lake Jennings during summer months. Photo: Lake Jennings

Lake Jennings is open daily from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. Through Labor Day, hours are extended for boating and fishing until midnight (entrance gate closes at 10 p.m.). It is catfish season, with the lake restocked with 1,000 pounds every few weeks throughout the season.

If you want to try for the lake record, Chris Sprecco caught an 84.4 lb. blue catfish on January 18, 2020, breaking the previous lake record of a 71.3 lb. blue catfish held by Bob Bowden on June 1, 2014.

Especially popular in summer months are Hermit Cove lakefront firepit rentals from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Firepit rentals include lake entrance fees for up to six people, Adirondack chairs, two bundles of wood, fire starter, and set-up/clean-up. A ranger is on hand to help light and extinguish fires. Visitors can add on S’mores supplies or tailgate supplies, including hot dogs.

Family and friends enjoy gathering around the Lake Jennings firepits on warm summer nights. Photo: Lake Jennings reservoirs

Family and friends enjoy gathering around the Lake Jennings firepits on warm summer nights. Photo: Lake Jennings

Advance reservations are required for dates through October. Firepits can be reserved online or by calling (619) 390-1623. Fishing permits are not included and must be purchased separately.

Lake Jennings is an exceptional destination during the summer months for the serious and casual wildlife viewer and photographer. The rolling hills, the endless lake, the coastal sage, and the riparian areas provide a diverse habitat in a small area. Common sightings include deer, fox, and osprey. Bird watchers are drawn to Lake Jennings for its rich variety of bird species.

Shoreline Fishing At Sweetwater Reservoir

Shoreline fishing is allowed along a 2.5-mile stretch on the south side of Sweetwater Reservoir from Friday through Monday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through September. Located at the eastern edge of Bonita, Sweetwater Reservoir’s Recreation Program is easily accessible and offers outdoor activities, including birdwatching and a riding and hiking trail operated by the County of San Diego.

Visitors must bring their own food, drink, bait, and tackle, including drinking water. Portable restrooms are provided.

The entrance is located at 3203 Summit Meadow Road in Bonita. A valid California Department of Fish and Wildlife Fishing License is required. Regular fishing fees remain in effect on Fridays, Saturdays, and Mondays. For more information on current hours, fees, and safety, visit www.sweetwater.org/fishing.

Primarily a local water supply for the Authority’s 200,000 customers in National City, Chula Vista, and Bonita, the Authority has created recreational opportunities including fishing programs and a riding and hiking trail at Sweetwater operated by the County of San Diego through a license from the Authority.

Lake Miramar Offers Oasis In The Heart of San Diego

The five mile road circling Lake Miramar is popular for cycling, walking, and running. Photo: City of San Diego

The five mile road circling Lake Miramar is popular for cycling, walking, and running. Photo: City of San Diego

Just east of Interstate 15 in Scripps Ranch, the Miramar Reservoir is popular for producing some of the biggest largemouth bass in the world. Visitors can also enjoy boating, kayaking, and canoeing activities. There are 18 barbecues and 48 picnic tables for family outings.

The park’s concession facility offers boat and bike rentals, bait and tackle, and snacks. For walkers, runners, and cyclists, the lake’s five-mile-long scenic trail that wraps around the lake is a popular highlight.

The lake is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For more information, visit the City of San Diego’s website.

San Vicente Reservoir A Favorite For Water Sports

Some of the region's best water sports and fishing is found at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Photo: City of San Diego

Some of the region’s best water sports and fishing is found at the San Vicente Reservoir in Lakeside. Photo: City of San Diego

Located in Lakeside, the San Vicente Reservoir is open Thursdays through Sundays from Memorial Day through October. From one half hour before sunrise until sunset, general boating and water contact sports such as water skiing, wakeboarding, stand-up paddleboarding, and canoeing and kayaking are permitted.

Personal watercraft are allowed if safely towing a skier, wakeboarder, or tube device meeting safety regulations.

At San Vicente, visitors can enjoy some of the region’s best fishing. Picnic and barbecue areas and restrooms are open. Leashed dogs are permitted. Visit the lake webpage for additional information.

Hungry goats are used to help clear brush and maintain wildfire safety at the Miramar Reservoir. Photo: City of San Diego

Goats Help Maintain Miramar Reservoir, Reduce Fire Risk

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Visitors enjoy seeing the variety of wildlife when visiting the City of San Diego’s Miramar Reservoir in the Scripps Ranch community.
Recent visitors might have been surprised by an unusual group of animals:  hundreds of goats grazing near the dam.
The City’s Public Utilities Department contracted with a local company to have more than 250 goats clear dry brush to allow for inspection of the dam and help reduce fire risk.
Under human supervision, several dozen goats can efficiently and safely clear an acre of brush per day. Photo: City of San Diego

Under human supervision, several dozen goats can efficiently and safely clear an acre of brush per day. Photo: City of San Diego

Goat Herds Provide Energy-Efficient Reservoir Maintenance

Public Utilities operates and maintains dams for nine reservoirs that support the water supply for the City of San Diego. Routine maintenance and daily inspections help ensure the safety of this vital infrastructure.
Goats can play a vital role in this maintenance because they provide an energy-efficient and low-carbon alternative to mechanized equipment to remove dry brush and ensure proper visibility of the face of the dam.
Since 2005, the City of San Diego has allowed the use of goats to remove brush, which helps reduce the risk of wildfires. Goats are voracious eaters and are not picky about what they consume.
Twenty to thirty goats can clear an acre of brush in a few days. The goats eat plants down to the soil’s surface but leave root systems that help keep soil from washing away and causing hillside erosion.

Goats May Become A Regular Sight

Goats may be used at additional locations among the City of San Diego's nine reservoirs. Photo: City of San Diego

Goats may be used at additional locations among the City of San Diego’s nine reservoirs. Photo: City of San Diego

After evaluating the goats’ work at Miramar Reservoir, the City will assess the feasibility of using their services in other locations.
Private property owners with large amounts of land needing brush clearance within the City of San Diego can also use goats to remove brush on their property. They must first receive a permit from the Fire-Rescue Department. There is no charge for the permit application.
Combustible vegetation, especially dry brush, should be cleared to reduce fire risk. Any material left in its natural state will readily ignite, burn, and cause fire to move to any structure or other vegetation. This includes dry grass, brush, weeds, litter, and waste.
For more information about brush management and guidelines, visit sandiego.gov/fire/services/brush.

Divers to Install One End of San Diego’s Pure Water Pipeline

/in , , /by /KPBSby Thomas Fudge

There’s been a pipeline floating on top of the Miramar Reservoir in San Diego. It is one end of an 8-mile conduit that will connect the reservoir to the city’s wastewater recycling plant, now under construction. Later this week, this part of the pipeline will be under 100 feet of water.

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New Underwater Pipeline Being Installed at Miramar Reservoir

/in , , /by /Fox 5 San Diegoby Amber Coakley

Installation of a new “pure water” pipeline has officially began at Miramar Reservoir, the City of San Diego announced Thursday. The project, as explained by city officials, is part of a program that will provide half of the city’s drinking water by year 2035. Called the Pure Water Program, this initiative uses “proven water purification technology to “clean recycled water to produce safe, high-quality drinking water.”

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Final Segment of 8-Mile Pure Water Pipeline Being Laid from North City Facility to Reservoir

/in , , /by /Times of San Diego

The city of San Diego is preparing to install a new underwater pipeline at its Miramar Reservoir as part of the Pure Water program, officials announced Thursday. “The subaqueous pipeline at Miramar Reservoir is a key construction project of the Pure Water program to help provide for our future water needs,” said Public Utilities Department Director Juan Guerreiro.

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Progress on City of San Diego’s Pure Water Pipeline to Temporarily Impact Water Activities at Miramar Reservoir

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SAN DIEGO – As the City of San Diego continues to make major progress on one of the largest infrastructure projects in the City’s history, there will be temporary impacts to some water activities at Miramar Reservoir. For the safety of residents and visitors, water activities at Miramar will be suspended beginning next week through early 2023 due to pipeline construction work for the Pure Water Program. Shore areas, including picnic and barbecue areas, paths and shore fishing, will remain accessible to the public during the project.

Water activities will also be suspended in mid-2023 during a second phase of the pipeline project. During these two construction periods, boats, canoes, kayaks and float tubes will not be allowed. The 1-mile pipeline at Miramar Reservoir will include pipeline assembly on barges on the surface of the reservoir before being sunk and permanently installed underwater. The first phase of construction includes the completion of tunneling into the reservoir (mid-November 2022 to early 2023) and the second phase, starting mid-2023, will include the construction of the pipeline on the reservoir.

“This pipeline project is a crucial part of the Pure Water Program that will be vital to providing drinking water in the future,” said Juan Guerreiro, Director of the City’s Public Utilities Department. “We are focused on limiting the impacts to our facilities while this work is underway, and we appreciate the public’s patience during the construction phases.”

The project team will work to minimize inconveniences associated with traffic, construction noise and large construction equipment, but please plan extra time for parking when visiting the reservoir.

Pure Water San Diego is the City’s phased, multi-year program that will provide nearly half of our water supply locally by 2035. Pure Water will use proven purification technology to clean recycled water and produce safe, high-quality drinking water. The program offers a cost effective investment for San Diego’s water needs and will provide a reliable, sustainable water supply.

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Mayor, EPA Chief Celebrate First Phase of San Diego’s Drought-Resistant Water Recycling Project

/in , , /by /Times of San Diegoby Debbie L. Sklar and City News Service

Mayor Todd Gloria, along with state and federal leaders, formally kicked off construction of Phase 1 of the city’s Pure Water program Friday, intended to provide nearly 50% of the city’s drinking water by 2035 and reduce the need for imported water.

Helping the mayor celebrate the historic occasion in University City were Rep. Scott Peters, California Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael S. Regan and California State Water Resources Control Board Chair E. Joaquin Esquivel.

“Today, we celebrated the launch of the largest, most ambitious infrastructure project in San Diego’s history,” Gloria said. “The Pure Water program will guarantee us a local water resource that allows San Diego to be drought-resilient and environmentally sustainable. This is a key part of how we will provide clean drinking water to our residents for generations to come.”

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Miramar Reservoir Marks 60 Years of Service

/in , /by /Water News Network

For 60 years, Miramar Reservoir has been an integral part of the City of San Diego’s drinking water system and offers San Diegans a popular recreational area. Now, the reservoir is being called into service to play a vital part in San Diego’s future Pure Water system to sustain a reliable water supply.

The City of San Diego is commemorating the 60th anniversary of Miramar Reservoir, its role in the region’s history, and the part the reservoir will play in the future.

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The Miramar Reservoir dam under construction in 1960. The reservoir marks its 60th anniversary i 2020. Photo: Jeff Pasek, City of San Diego

Miramar Reservoir Marks 60 Years of Service

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For 60 years, Miramar Reservoir has been an integral part of the City of San Diego’s drinking water system and offers San Diegans a popular recreational area. Now, the reservoir is being called into service to play a vital part in San Diego’s future Pure Water system to sustain a reliable water supply.

The City of San Diego is commemorating the 60th anniversary of Miramar Reservoir, its role in the region’s history, and the part the reservoir will play in the future.

“We celebrate not only Miramar Reservoir’s past, but the critical role it will play when the Pure Water system is completed,” said Shauna Lorance, director of the San Diego Public Utilities Department. “Miramar Reservoir will continue to be a key part of our water system for many years to come.”

Role in San Diego’s history

An aerial view of the Miramar Reservoir under construction in 1960. Photo: Jeff Pasek, City of San Diego

An aerial view of the Miramar Reservoir under construction in 1960. Photo: Jeff Pasek/City of San Diego

Miramar Reservoir marks 60

Miramar was the last of the City’s nine reservoirs to be developed. It was completed in 1960 as part of the second San Diego Aqueduct. The location previously had been the site of a small reservoir serving the vast ranch of newspaper publisher Edward W. Scripps.

Water flowing south to the reservoir originates from both the Colorado River Aqueduct and the California Aqueduct. The earthen embankment dam has a maximum height of 165 feet measured from the downstream toe, and has a base of 1,180 feet.

Dignitaries attend the Miramar Reservoir dedication ceremony in 1960. Photo: Jeff Pasek, City of San Diego

Dignitaries attend the Miramar Reservoir dedication ceremony in 1960. Photo: Jeff Pasek/City of San Diego

It was constructed by contractors Einer Brothers Inc. of Escondido and McCammon Construction, for $1.42 million. Land acquisition and engineering costs were approximately $730,000. Funds for the project came from an $11 million water bond approved by San Diego voters in June 1958.

When full, the reservoir covers 274 surface acres, reaches a maximum water depth of 114 feet, and has four miles of shoreline. Miramar Reservoir has a water storage capacity of 6,682 acre-feet.

Miramar Water Treatment Plant, which was completed in 1962 at a cost of $3.5 million, and expanded and upgraded in 2010, treats and filters drinking water distributed to customers in the northern part of San Diego.

Since the mid-1960s, the reservoir has been a popular recreational destination. An estimated 100,000 people visit Miramar each year to enjoy jogging, walking, biking, fishing, boating, picnicking, among other activities.

Miramar Reservoir to become part of Pure Water San Diego

Today in 2020, the Miramar Reservoir is poised to play a key role in the Pure Water San Diego project. Photo: City of San Diego

The Miramar Reservoir is poised to play a key role in the Pure Water San Diego project. Photo: City of San Diego

When the Pure Water system comes online, Miramar Reservoir will switch from holding imported water to holding purified water received through a pipeline from the planned North City Pure Water Facility. After water has been purified at the North City Pure Water Facility, it will then be transferred via pipeline to Miramar Reservoir. The Miramar Water Treatment Plant will clean the water again, and the water will be distributed to homes and businesses throughout northern San Diego.

Miramar Reservoir will continue use into the foreseeable future as it helps provide one-third of San Diego’s water supply locally by the end of 2035.

Popular Lake Miramar Gets Key New Role Just as it Turns 60

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby David Garrick

Lake Miramar, a longtime recreational oasis celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, is about to become a key part of San Diego’s new $5 billion Pure Water system that will boost the city’s water independence by recycling treated sewage.

The last of San Diego’s nine city reservoirs to be built, Lake Miramar attracts an estimated 100,000 people a year for jogging, biking, fishing, boating, picnicking and other activities.

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