OC's Largest Recycled Water Reservoir Nears Capacity

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Nicole at [email protected]

OC's Largest Recycled Water Reservoir Nears Capacity

Trampas Canyon Reservoir has reached 90% capacity for the first time since being built in 2020.

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - Recycled water has been pouring into Orange County's largest recycled water reservoir this winter and spring, bringing Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) to a significant milestone this week. Trampas Canyon Reservoir has reached an unprecedented 90% capacity, edging closer to full capacity for the first time since its construction was completed in the summer of 2020.

"Trampas Canyon Reservoir is operating just as we envisioned," said President Saundra Jacobs, SMWD. Think of it as a savings account-not for a rainy day, but for a sunny one. By storing this water now, we can utilize it for irrigation purposes instead of tapping into our drinking water reserves during the hot, dry summer months."

As of this week, the reservoir's surface stands at a level of 618.95 feet, reflecting a storage volume of 4,438 acre-feet, equivalent to 1.45 billion gallons. With a capacity designed to hold 1.6 billion gallons, the reservoir reaches depths of up to 88 feet and could fill the Rose Bowl approximately 20 times over.

Between Trampas Canyon Reservoir, Upper Oso Reservoir, and Portola Reservoir, the collective storage is 8,275 acre-feet, or 87% of total capacity.

People who see SMWD's full reservoirs might assume that the water was collected from recent storms, but the answer is more intricate-and innovative-than that.

The water in Trampas Canyon Reservoir as well as nearby Upper Oso Reservoir, and Portola Reservoir, is not rainwater. It is actually treated wastewater, purified for use in landscape irrigation.

The unexpected abundance of rain led many homeowners' associations across SMWD's service areas-including Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, Coto de Caza, Las Flores, Ladera Ranch, and Talega-to smartly suspend the use of their sprinkler systems.

This reduction in demand for recycled water aligned seamlessly with SMWD's strategic approach to store surplus water in seasonal reservoirs purposefully built for this exact scenario. These recycled water reservoirs serve as a crucial buffer against future uncertainties, alleviating concerns amid the persistent drought gripping the region and the state.

Another pivotal concern for SMWD has been its historical dependence on drinking water imported from hundreds of miles away. The development of this local network of recycled water reservoirs aims to assist SMWD in achieving its goal of recycling 100% of wastewater for reuse while showcasing the District's unwavering commitment to fostering a local, reliable, and sustainable water supply for the region.

The public may tour the Trampas Canyon Reservoir on Saturday, May 4, at 9:30 AM at the District's annual Water Festival. Reserve a seat by clicking here.

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