press release

January 26, 2000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WATER RELEASE BEGINS TODAY

In spite of one of the driest winters on record, local residents will soon watch water flowing in the Sweetwater River between Alpine and Spring Valley, as Sweetwater Authority begins a planned release from Loveland Dam to Sweetwater Dam. The public water agency has stated it plans to send about 8750 acre feet of water downstream and expects to receive approximately 7375 acre feet at Sweetwater Reservoir over the next two to three weeks. (7375 acre feet will serve the water needs of 14,750 families for a year.)

Water transfers are scheduled in traditionally wet periods of the year, to reduce water loss to an underground aquifer, according to Sweetwater Authority Operations Manager. "Ideally, we try to release water after we've had an inch or so of rain. If the underground water table is elevated, we get a better "yield" of water at Sweetwater Reservoir. If a large percentage of the water goes underground, it may take as long as seven or eight years to resurface.

The Operations Manager noted there would be some inconvenience as a result of the water transfer. "The water level at Loveland Reservoir will drop dramatically, which will affect the free fishing area we operate with the Forest Service," he said, "and property owners in the flood plain along the Sweetwater River have been asked to move their equipment and livestock to avoid damage."

"Our reservoirs were built and are operated for water storage," he stressed; "they were not intended to provide the flood control and recreation associated with dams in other parts of the state. With good management," he continued, "they have provided great benefits to our customers and much of Southern California. Water captured at Loveland and Sweetwater Reservoirs has met 40 percent of the average long-term needs for our customers," he explained. "Without this supply, the entire region would bear increased costs for larger capacity aqueducts and pumping equipment, as well as greater impacts during drought years."

Loveland Reservoir fishing hours and regulations will remain unchanged during the water transfer, as will operating hours at the Perdue Water Treatment Plant. Questions may be directed to Sweetwater Authority, 619/420-1413.

Editors' Note: Sweetwater Authority, a public water agency, serves over 175,000 customers in National City, Bonita and portions of Chula Vista. The agency owns and operates Loveland and Sweetwater Reservoirs, the Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant, the Richard A. Reynolds Groundwater Demineralization Facility, and the National City Wells. Seventy percent of its water supply is derived from a combination of local water sources.