position statement - state route 125

November, 2000

Water Law: Sweetwater Authority is a public water agency, formed under irrigation district law and a joint powers agreement, charged with providing safe, reliable water service to more than 179,000 residents of Chula Vista, National City and Bonita, California. Existing laws require the agency to provide water to its service area in a manner sufficient to meet the current and future needs of its residents and businesses.

Water Quality Protection: In response to the requirements of the federally mandated Safe Drinking Water Act, Sweetwater Authority has implemented rigorous measures to protect the water stored in Sweetwater Reservoir. One of these measures is an upstream interceptor and shoreline diversion system to keep mineral salts and other pollutants out of the reservoir. Formal project reviews and comments are provided to County and City planners to assure land use practices which best support the Authority's efforts to sustain the reservoir as a potable water storage and supply facility.

Members of the Sweetwater Authority staff serve on a variety of advisory boards in order to maintain current knowledge of health standards and threats to water quality. The agency is involved in strategic planning efforts on many levels, to assure the Authority will be prepared to meet water quality standards when state and federal regulations change.

Currently, Sweetwater Authority is involved in a joint study with the United States Geological Survey and local consultants to measure chemical impacts entering the watershed from all sources. This study includes, but is not limited to, airborne chemicals.

Community Partnership Role: Sweetwater Authority provides water service that supports the approved plans developed by the County of San Diego, the City of Chula Vista, and the City of National City for the Authority's service area. Some of these jurisdictions have clearly stated the need for construction of State Route 125. The Authority has not taken a position on this project other than to assure that mitigation measures are based on potential impacts to Authority reservoirs.

Continued Concerns: Sweetwater Authority will continue its diligence in protecting Sweetwater Reservoir. Regardless of any impacts caused by State Route 125, the Authority will ensure that its consumers can count on using the reservoir for water storage and supply.

The Authority's continued concern with State Route 125 is that some impacts from the use of the highway were inadequately stated in the Environmental Impact Report. To assure credible reporting, the Authority has collected "baseline data," measuring contaminants prior to construction, and will continue to monitor the reservoir's water quality after construction. If negative impacts are found and can be linked to the highway, Sweetwater Authority will keep the water safe by implementing more advanced treatment processes, and will protect its customers from financial harm by seeking restitution from those involved in the construction and operation of the highway.

Conclusion: To assure that mitigation efforts are adequate to protect the rights and interests of its customers, Sweetwater Authority will partner with all appropriate agencies in an effort to identify the impacts of constructing a major highway in close proximity to a terminal water storage reservoir. Sweetwater Authority will implement the measures necessary to protect its customers from any contamination that may be identified by the research. In such an event, the Authority will provide increased treatment to assure that water supplied to its customers continues to meet safe drinking water standards, and will seek compensation for any associated costs from the owners and operators of State Route 125.