FAQs • Sweetwater Authority, CA • CivicEngage

Will Sweetwater Authority release any water prior to a spill?: If the water level at either Loveland Reservoir or Sweetwater Reservoir is high enough that a spill is likely, Sweetwater Authority may perform a controlled release of water through the emergency outlets to avoid an uncontrolled spill, in order to reduce flooding issues downstream. Sweetwater Authority also periodically performs controlled transfers of water from Loveland Reservoir to Sweetwater Reservoir through the Sweetwater River channel to secure additional water supply for customers.

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Reservoir Levels & Spills FAQs

1. When will Loveland and/or Sweetwater Reservoir spill?: It depends on the intensity of the storms and the amount of runoff generated.

2. Will Sweetwater Authority release any water prior to a spill?: If the water level at either Loveland Reservoir or Sweetwater Reservoir is high enough that a spill is likely, Sweetwater Authority may perform a controlled release of water through the emergency outlets to avoid an uncontrolled spill, in order to reduce flooding issues downstream. Sweetwater Authority also periodically performs controlled transfers of water from Loveland Reservoir to Sweetwater Reservoir through the Sweetwater River channel to secure additional water supply for customers.

3. How large is the Sweetwater watershed?: The Sweetwater watershed encompasses 230-square miles, and stretches from the Cleveland National Forest to the San Diego Bay. 2/3s of the watershed is above Loveland Reservoir.

4. Are the dams safe?: Both dams are structurally sound, and are frequently inspected by dam safety experts.

5. Who or what is impacted by the reservoirs' spilling?: Mostly golf courses and parks. Portions of Rancho San Diego, Chula Vista, Spring Valley and Bonita that are prone to flooding may be impacted.

6. When was the last time the reservoirs spilled?: Sweetwater Reservoir last spilled in 1998. Loveland Reservoir last spilled in 2011.

7. What is the distance between Loveland Reservoir and Sweetwater Reservoir?: The distance between Loveland Reservoir and Sweetwater Reservoir is 17 miles.