Preparing for the next 100 years
Safety is always at top priority at IRWD. For more than 60 years, we have safely owned, operated, and maintained reservoirs and dams for the benefit of our community— even when there is an El Nino.
IRWD reservoirs near residential communities receive very little or no water from rivers or streams. That means we can completely control the flow of water in and out — like filling or draining your bathtub.
For our reservoirs that do receive water from rivers or streams, such as the Santiago Creek Dam Reservoir (aka Irvine Lake), we manage the water level during heavy rainfall by safely releasing water into our recycled water system, downstream creeks, or open spaces.
Reservoirs, which are created by dams, are important because they allow IRWD to store water locally. We monitor, inspect, and maintain our dams regularly.
But that’s not all. Our engineers and dam safety experts implement state-of-the-art Dam Safety Program Guidelines that exceed all current state standards, and even provide a roadmap for other agencies to follow. We combine traditional tried-and-true safety standards with a modern Risk-Informed Decision-Making process known as RIDM. RIDM is a rigorous, systematic and thorough approach to dam safety that identifies and reduces risks.
IRWD also pro-actively plans for improvements to ensure ongoing safety and improve efficiency. For example, in 2017, IRWD began a comprehensive assessment of its Santiago Creek Dam — built in 1933 to form Irvine Lake. The assessment determined that the dam and the outlet tower are still operational, but nearing the end of their useful life.
We are completing design of the Santiago Creek Dam Improvement Project, with construction expected to begin in the summer of 2027. The improvements will enhance those portions of the reservoir identified as needing improvements. IRWD has worked closely with the California Department of Water Resources Division of Safety of Dams, which is the official regulatory agency for dams in state, and has kept the water level at Irvine Lake lower to ensure public safety—even during large rain events.
Irvine Lake is a critical water source for 900,000 people in Orange County, and a popular recreation spot for the region. The Santiago Creek Dam Improvement Project will keep the reservoir in operation for another 100 years.
Go to IRWD.com/santiagocreekdam to learn more about the project.
Go to IRWD.com/construction/dam-safety-program for details on IRWD’s Dam Safety Program.
