AWWA ACE58271

Reservoirs primarily used as source water for domestic purposes are to be protected from body contact recreation, according to California Health & Safety Code. The El Dorado Irrigation District found itself facing a recreation ban at one of its major water source reservoirs. For 50 years the local community and hundreds of thousands of visitors had enjoyed the reservoir. The proposal for a recreation ban was not met favorably. The District obtained a Legislative Exemption to continue recreational use, but must meet tight time deadlines to achieve advanced water treatment techniques to ensure removal of waterborne diseases such as Giardia and Cryptosporidium. The Department of Health Services, the California Legislature and the District worked collaboratively to craft a satisfactory solution. Includes table.