Tag Archive for: Reservoirs

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.

California’s Largest Reservoir Is Almost Completely Full

/in , /by /Newsweek

Lake Shasta is nearly full, according to a chart depicting current conditions at California’s major reservoirs.

After years of drought, several reservoirs in California reached concerningly low water levels in the summer of 2022. However, an abnormally wet winter last year alleviated much of the state’s drought and replenished the lakes.

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(Left to right) California Dept. of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth, California Natural Resources Agency Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Gov. Gavin Newsom join the snow survey team for fourth media snow survey of the 2024 season is held at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo:  Andrew Nixon, California Dept. of Water Resources

Snow Survey Confirms Water Supplies Remain Plentiful for San Diego

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The California Department of Water Resources performed its fourth snowpack survey of the season on Tuesday, April 2, confirming that the early winter’s “snow drought” gave way to a slightly above-normal snowpack following a series of storms.

DWR’s early April snow survey marks what is considered the peak snowpack for the year in the Sierra Nevada. The Colorado River Basin – San Diego County’s main source of water – also reports more snow than average for this time of year.

DWR’s survey recorded 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, which is 113 percent of the average. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Two consecutive wet winters, combined with regional investments and conservation by residents and businesses, delivered enough water to meet the San Diego region’s needs for the rest of 2024.

Wet Winter and Full Reservoirs Support Region

Across California, reservoirs are nearly full as we approach the start of summer—the heaviest water-use months. Plentiful water is a rare occurrence in the arid Southwest. From 2020 to 2022, the state suffered severe drought conditions that forced water-use reductions for millions of California residents.

California's major reservoirs are between 69 and 99 percent of capacity as of April 1. Graphic: California Dept. of Water Resources snow survey

California’s major reservoirs are between 69 and 99 percent of capacity as of April 1. Graphic: California Dept. of Water Resources

For the past decade, San Diego County has been insulated from drought-induced cutbacks due to the long-term investments in secure water supplies, a strategy that emerged in the early 1990s following an economically devastating drought. Since 1990, the region has dramatically cut water demands, reducing per capita water use by more than 50 percent. Water conservation has become a “way of life” for the region’s residents and businesses.

Innovative Leadership in Water Management

The Water Authority is currently working to sell or transfer some of its surplus water supply to areas with greater needs. For instance, an innovative water transfer deal could eventually deliver drought-resilient water supplies to South Orange County through the Moulton Niguel Water District and help combat increasing water rates for San Diegans.

A deal completed in late 2023 saved the San Diego region about $20 million. These water transfers help maintain the viability of the Colorado River as the most critical water resource for the Southwest.

“Wet years are the right time to prepare for the inevitable dry years,” said Water Authority General Manager Dan Denham. “That’s why we’re working every day to explore creative deals that help us reduce water rate pressures for San Diegans, enhance our long-term water security, and help our neighbors meet their needs for drought-resilient water supplies.”

(Editor’s Note: Information in this story was provided by the California Department of Water Resources).

 

Funding is still available in 2024 to install water-efficient toilets and smart irrigation controllers in underrepresented communities across the region. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority low-flow upgrades

Funding Still Available in 2024 For Free Low-Flow Upgrades

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Income-qualifying residents in the San Diego region can still benefit from a grant-funded program replacing outdated toilers with high-efficiency models in 2024.

More than 6,000 high-efficiency toilets have been installed free of charge to date in under-represented communities across the region through a grant-funded program run by the San Diego County Water Authority.

Funding remains available to replace about 4,000 more outdated toilets with professionally installed, high-efficiency models at no cost. Eligible communities include mobile home communities, multi-family units, and income-qualifying single-family homes.

Qualified applicants for low-flow upgrades include mobile home communities, multi-family housing, and income qualifying single family homes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Qualified applicants for low-flow upgrades include mobile home communities, multi-family housing, and income-qualifying single-family homes. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

Smart irrigation controllers are also available at no cost through the program. Participants must be residential customers within the Water Authority’s service area.

Learn more about the program, including eligibility requirements and the application process at Direct Install Program.

Free upgrades conserve water, save money

High efficiency toilets and smart irrigation controllers conserve water while saving costs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority low flow upgrades

High-efficiency toilets and smart irrigation controllers conserve water while saving costs. Photo: San Diego County Water Authority

“This is a great way for residents to get a free home upgrade that conserves water and saves on water bills,” said Mel Katz, chair of the Water Authority’s Board of Directors. “Water affordability is a top priority for the Water Authority, and this program is one of many ways we are combatting inflationary pressures on water prices.”

Through the Direct Install Program, toilets that use 1.6 gallons or more per flush are replaced with premium, high-efficiency models that use half the water. The program is entirely funded by more than $4 million in grants from the California Department of Water Resources Integrated Regional Water Management and Urban Community Drought Relief programs and through the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

Water Authority pursues funding for region’s water system

In addition to the Direct Install Program, the Water Authority is taking numerous other steps to enhance affordability. For instance, the agency helped secure $25 million to cover overdue residential water bills resulting from the economic impacts of COVID-19.

The Water Authority also operates an industry-leading asset management program designed to avoid the extreme costs of emergency repairs on large-scale water pipelines.

In 2024, the Water Authority is working with Washington, D.C. officials to secure federal funds to defray the cost of generational upgrades to local dams and reservoirs.

Wastewater Collection System Worker II Jesse Halbig explain how the crew put a remote camera into the sewer system to inspect the condition of the sewer pipes. Photo: Vallecitos Water District Water Academy

Vallecitos WD Water Academy Draws A Crowd

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Vallecitos Water District (VWD) customers got a first-hand look at what it takes to operate their water and wastewater systems at a Water Academy Tour hosted on November 2. Forty-six customers participated in the day-long program.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor Matt Wiese explains how staff monitor functions at the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District Water Academy

Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor Matt Wiese explains how staff monitor functions at the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

After being welcomed by VWD General Manager Glenn Pruim and Assistant General Manager James Gumpel with an overview of the District, certified water and wastewater specialists took Water Academy participants through tours of the Sustainable Demonstration Garden and its water meters, its equipment and water operations control room, the Twin Oaks Reservoirs and the Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility.

Other tour highlights include demonstrations of specialized equipment used by the District’s water professionals, and a visit to the Water Operations Department’s computerized control room to see how the District ensures that the drinking water is safe.

At the Sustainable Demonstration Garden, participants learned about conservation techniques for their landscaping.

At all stops, customers had the opportunity to have their questions answered by staff and District board members, including at a group lunch.

Reservoir, Reclamation Facility Tours A Highlight

Water Systems Operator II Toby Luna demonstrates how water is tested. Photo: Vallecitos Water District Water Academy

Water Systems Operator II Toby Luna demonstrates how water is tested. Photo: Vallecitos Water District

Participants boarded a chartered bus for a first-hand look at the District’s 33-million-gallon and 40-million-gallon capacity Twin Oaks Reservoirs, currently said to be the largest of their kind in the world. The grand finale of the tour is a visit to the District’s Meadowlark Water Reclamation Facility in Carlsbad, capable of recycling up to 74% of the wastewater generated in its service area. At this facility, participants learned how microorganisms help clean the water and see how recent plant upgrades to increase capacity benefit the community by lowering the overall demand for water.

“It’s a privilege for our team of certified water and wastewater specialists to provide Vallecitos Water District customers a first-hand look at what it takes to operate the Vallecitos Water District and provide reliable, exceptional, and sustainable water and wastewater service to the more than 100,000 residents in our service area,” said Chris Robbins, VWD Public Information/Conservation Supervisor.

 

 

 

Lake Oroville Recovers After the 2021 Drought as Water Levels Soar Over 200 Feet

/in , /by /KRCR-TV by Hannah Gutierrez

After a devastating drought in 2021 that left Lake Oroville at their lowest water level ever at 628.47 feet, the lake has now seen an intense increase in water levels.

“This past winter storms provided a huge boost to the state water projects, water supply, especially at our largest reservoir at Lake Oroville,” said Ted Craddock, Deputy Director of the State Water Project.

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Lake Mead and Lake Powell Water Levels Have Risen, But Runoff Slowing Down

/in , , /by /KLAS Las Vegasby Greg Haas

Lake Mead has risen more than 3 feet over the past month, and nearly 13 feet since Jan. 1.

The lake, which supplies 90% of the water used in the Las Vegas valley, is bucking the trend of the past five years. Lake Mead typically drops beginning around April, following a seasonal pattern.

As snow melts upstream in the Upper Colorado River Basin, water is held back in dams all along the way to prepare for higher consumption during the hot summer months. Water eventually reaches Lake Powell before flowing through the Grand Canyon and into Lake Mead.

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Newsom Signs Bills to Speed up Infrastructure Projects

/in , , /by /Courthouse News Service by Natalie Hanson

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a package of bills Monday aimed at streamlining the construction of solar and wind farms, reservoirs, bridges, railways and other infrastructure projects in the Golden State.

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Warming Causes More Extreme Rain, Not Snow, Over Mountains. Scientists Say That’s a Problem

/in , , /by /AP Newsby Seth Borenstein

A warming world is transforming some major snowfalls into extreme rain over mountains instead, somehow worsening both dangerous flooding like the type that devastated Pakistan last year as well as long-term water shortages, a new study found.

Using rain and snow measurements since 1950 and computer simulations for future climate, scientists calculated that for every degree Fahrenheit the world warms, extreme rainfall at higher elevation increases by 8.3% (15% for every degree Celsius), according to a study in Wednesday’s journal Nature.

Heavy rain in mountains causes a lot more problems than big snow, including flooding, landslides and erosion, scientists said. And the rain isn’t conveniently stored away like snowpack that can recharge reservoirs in spring and summer.

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California’s Major Reservoirs Remain Nearly Full Heading Into Summer

/in , , /by /FOX 40by Matthew Nobert

This will be the first time in several years that California will enter summer with the majority of its reservoirs at or over 90 percent of total capacity, according to data from the California Department of Water Resources.

As of Saturday, Shasta, Oroville, Folsom, New Bullards Bar, San Luis, Castaic and Cachuma reservoirs are over 90 percent of their total capacity and in the case of Shasta and Oroville are less than 5 percent away from being full.

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