Approved Projects

As a Lead Agency for CEQA, Sweetwater Authority considers a project “approved” once the decision-making body has (1) reviewed and considered, in its totality, the project’s final environmental documents, and (2) decided to approve or carry out the project. The following projects have been recently approved by the Authority: 

Deep Well Anode Bed Replacement for 30-inch Pipeline Rectified on 2nd Avenue

This project will construct a new deep well anode well and cathodic protection system replacing existing system on the Sweetwater Authority’s existing 30-inch steel pipeline on 2nd Avenue. The existing anode system is nearing the end of its useful life, with only one of five anodes still working. To prevent pipeline corrosion, the project will install a new 214-foot deep anode well with 12 anodes, relocate the rectifier unit and electrical cables, and properly abandon the existing well per State and local standards. The project will benefit customers and the local community by improving safety, reliability, and preventing pipeline corrosion. It will also benefit Sweetwater Authority by extending the service life of the steel water main and minimizing labor time by preventing emergencies such as pipeline failures caused by corrosion.

Notice of Exemption for the Deep Well Anode Replacement Project (PDF)

Bonita Valley Reservoir Residual Control System

This project will install a Residual Control System (RCS) at Bonita Valley Reservoir (BVR), the Authority’s largest treated-water tank (two independent 9-MG basins), integrated with SCADA for 24/7 remote monitoring. The purpose of the project is to maintain a stable chloramine residual (right chlorine-to-ammonia ratio) to prevent nitrification that can occur with warm temps, low demand, and high chlorine demand. This protects system water quality and reliability and can avoid costly short-term switches to imported water—potentially paying for itself by averting a single water-quality event (i.e. nitrification). The project benefits customers system-wide by providing more consistent and stable chloramine residuals. The system is highly automated and will be integrated into the Authority’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system allowing remote monitoring and alarming capabilities. It also benefits ratepayers by reducing costs through decreased reliance on imported water should the local water source (Sweetwater Reservoir) become challenging to treat.

Notice of Exemption for the Bonita Valley Reservoir Residual Control System (PDF)

Cherry Hills Tank Rehabilitation

This project will repair and upgrade of existing Cherry Hills Tank within Sweetwater Authority’s property. Work includes repair of existing lining, cathodic protection repair and safety features repair. The purpose of the project is to maintain and extend the service life of the existing steel water tanks by performing necessary upgrades, repairs, and maintenance. The work includes, but is not limited to, lining repair or replacement, cathodic protection system repair, exterior coating repairs, and ladder repairs. These improvements will ensure the tank continue to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with current standards. The project will benefit Sweetwater Authority, its customers, and the local community by ensuring the steel water tanks operate safely and reliably. Maintaining the tank will protect water quality, extend the facilities’ service life, reduce emergency repairs, and support a consistent and dependable water supply for the community.

Notice of Exemption for the Cherry Hills Tank Rehabilitation Project (PDF)

Desalination Contact Tank Rehabilitation

This project will repair and upgrade the Contact Tank at the Sweetwater Authority’s Desalination Facility. Work includes repair of existing lining, cathodic protection repair and safety features repair. The purpose of the project is to maintain and extend the service life of the existing steel water tank by performing necessary upgrades, repairs, and maintenance. The work includes, but is not limited to, lining repair or replacement, cathodic protection system repair, exterior coating repairs, ladder repairs, floor plate and rafter repairs, valve repair or replacement, and baffle curtain replacement. These improvements will ensure the tank continue to operate safely, efficiently, and in compliance with current standards. The project will benefit Sweetwater Authority, its customers, and the local community by ensuring the steel water tanks operate safely and reliably. Maintaining the tanks will protect water quality, extend the facilities’ service life, reduce emergency repairs, and support a consistent and dependable water supply for the community.

Notice of Exemption for the Desalination Contact Tank Rehabilitation Project (PDF)

Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant Tree Hazard Removal and Habitat Restoration

The Proposed Project consists of hazardous tree removal and fuel reduction, soil stabilization and slope protection, reforestation with fire-resilient native habitat, and maintenance and monitoring. The Proposed Project would occur on an approximately 4.25-acre steep slope, on the west side of the Sweetwater Reservoir property, and adjacent to the Robert A. Perdue Water Treatment Plant and residential areas of the unincorporated community of Spring Valley, in San Diego County, California. For more information, please visit: https://ceqanet.opr.ca.gov/2023100684. For more details, see link below: 

Notice of Exemption for the Tree Hazard Removal and Habitat Restoration Project (PDF)

Sweetwater Dam and South Dike Improvements Project

The proposed project would include improvements to the Sweetwater Dam and South Dike to safely pass and contain storm water flows associated with a Probable Maximum Flood (PMF) event. In order to achieve that primary objective, an existing parapet wall on the north side of the dam would be raised and a new parapet wall would be constructed on the south side. Additionally, the South Dike would be raised. Other minor repairs and modifications to the Sweetwater Dam, South Spillway, and associated facilities would also be conducted. The proposed project would fully comply with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) Division of Safety of Dams (DSOD) regulatory program (California Water Code Division 3, Dams and Reservoirs).  

Sweetwater Dam and South Dike Improvements MND Final

Central-Wheeler Tank and Systems Improvement Project

Sweetwater Authority proposes to construct a new 0.8 million gallon (MG) water storage tank and associated conveyance pipelines near Sweetwater Reservoir. The 2015 Water Distribution System Master Plan evaluated Sweetwater Authority’s transmission, pumping, storage and distribution network and made recommendations to meet anticipated demands through the year 2040. The current requirement to satisfy maximum day and fire protection water demands in the Wheeler Pressure Zone is 0.60 million gallons per day (MGD) and the projected demand is 0.84 MGD by 2040. The existing Wheeler Tank was constructed in 1952 and has an operating storage capacity of 0.36 MG, but operates at a reduced capacity of 0.25 MG since the tank does not meet structural stability requirements for seismic activity. The proposed Project would improve reliability of the water distribution system in the current Wheeler Pressure Zone and a portion of the Gravity Pressure Zone by allowing Sweetwater Authority to meet anticipated maximum day and fire protection demands through the year 2040. The project would involve construction of a new 0.8 MG welded steel water storage tank (Central-Wheeler Tank) near a hillside in an undeveloped portion of land owned by SWA and construction of associated water drainage and conveyance pipelines to improve reliability of water distribution within Sweetwater Authority’s Wheeler Pressure Zone and a portion of the Gravity Pressure Zone. Project facilities would occur within public rights-of-way, within property currently owned by Sweetwater Authority, or easements to be acquired by Sweetwater Authority.

Central-Wheeler Tank Final Mitigated Negative Declaration (PDF)
Notice of Determination (PDF)

Addendum No.2 to the Supplement to the Environmental Impact Report for the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Master Plan - Shared Maintenace Road and Trail (SMRT) 

The Authority, as a Lead Agency is modifying the use of an existing and already graded and maintained 2.2-mile long maintenance road to add certain recreational opportunities to it, including non-motorized cycling (i.e. mountain biking) and hiking, for the enjoyment of the community. The shared maintenance road/trail connects with the Sweetwater Reservoir Recreation Area and the County’s “Riding and Hiking Trail”. For more information, please see documents below. 

Addendum No.1 to the Environmental Impact Report for the Robert A. Perdue Treatment Plant Master Plan for Future Plant Facilities - Sweetwater Reservoir Aeration and Destratification System

The Authority is proposing the installation of a new aeration and destratification system in Sweetwater Reservoir to improve water quality in the reservoir, reduce treatment costs at the Perdue Water Treatment Plant, and expand yield from the reservoir. The aeration system would provide more consistent/healthy levels of dissolved oxygen and improved water quality throughout the water column. For more information, please see documents below. 01 - Draft Addendum No. 1 to the EIR for the Perdue Water Treatment Plant – Aeration and Destratification System.


Please note approved projects are removed from this webpage after one year of adoption or once project is completed. 

For any questions on these or previously approved environmental documents, use this form to send us a message.