Bonita Valley Reservoir Residual Control System

The Sweetwater Authority is implementing the Bonita Valley Reservoir Residual Control System project in San Diego County, California. The project involves installing a Residual Control System (RCS) at the Bonita Valley Reservoir, the agency's largest treated-water tank featuring two independent 9-MG basins. The scope of work includes the installation of chemical feeders, a mixer, and monitoring controls within the existing facility, along with minor alterations to public utility connections. A critical component of the project is the integration of the system into the Authority's Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to enable 24/7 remote monitoring and alarming capabilities. The primary objective of this installation is to maintain a stable chloramine residual by managing the chlorine-to-ammonia ratio, which prevents nitrification typically caused by warm temperatures and fluctuating water demand. By protecting water quality and system reliability, the project aims to reduce the need for expensive short-term switches to imported water, thereby benefiting ratepayers and ensuring consistent water quality system-wide. The project has been filed with a Notice of Exemption under State CEQA Guidelines, as the work is contained within the existing reservoir facility and is expected to have no significant environmental impact. Israel Marquez, Land and Environmental Manager, serves as the primary point of contact for the project.