Origins and Development
In the early 20th century, the area now known as Santee was primarily agricultural land. The construction of the El Capitan Dam in the 1940s led to the drying up of the local aquifer, which had previously supplied water to the farmers. This event marked a turning point for Santee, as it began to transform from a rural, dairy farming community into a rapidly growing suburban town [1].
By 1959, Santee’s most significant challenge was not a lack of freshwater but rather the disposal of wastewater. The General Manager of the Santee County Water District (now Padre Dam Municipal Water District), Ray Stoyer, was tasked with finding a solution. He was presented with two options:
1.Join the San Diego Metropolitan Sewer System: This would involve sending poorly treated sewage into the Pacific Ocean. However, this option was expensive and would have locked Santee into a 40-year contract.
2.Create a new treatment system: This was a more innovative and challenging approach, as wastewater treatment technology was not as advanced as it is today. The plan was to treat the town’s sewage and then reuse the reclaimed water for various purposes, such as irrigation for golf courses, crops, and parks, as well as for recreational use [1].
Ray Stoyer chose the second option, and by 1961, four lakes had been created using the reclaimed water. In June of that year, Lake 4 was opened to the public for recreation, marking the official beginning of Santee Lakes [1].
This pioneering water reclamation project brought international fame to Santee Lakes and demonstrated the potential of turning wastewater into a valuable resource. The project not only provided a recreational area for the community but also a sustainable water source, reducing the need to import water and preventing the discharge of sewage into the ocean [1].
Padre Dam Municipal Water District and Santee Lakes
The Padre Dam Municipal Water District was formed in 1976 through the merger of the Santee County Water District (established 1956) and the Rio San Diego Municipal Water District (established 1955). The District is named after the historic Old Mission Dam, built around 1807 [2].
The Santee County Water District played a crucial role in the development of Santee Lakes. After its formation in 1956, the rapid growth of Santee necessitated the installation of sewer disposal facilities and a wastewater treatment plant. However, by 1959, stricter discharge quality requirements rendered the existing plant inadequate [2].
Under the leadership of Ray Stoyer, the District initiated the groundbreaking project of recycling wastewater for irrigation and commercial purposes. This innovative approach led to the creation of a chain of seven recycled water lakes. In 1961, boating and fishing were authorized, and Santee Lakes officially opened to the public for recreation. The project garnered international attention for its pioneering efforts in water reuse and reclamation [2].
Current Status and Future Developments: Advanced Water Purification Project
Santee Lakes continues to be at the forefront of water reclamation with the ongoing East County Advanced Water Purification (AWP) program. This billion-dollar project, located north of Santee Lakes, is expected to go online by winter 2026 [3].
The AWP program aims to meet approximately 30% of the drinking water demands in East County, serving customers in Padre Dam Municipal Water District, Helix, Lakeside, and Otay water districts. This initiative is a crucial response to the persistent drought conditions in San Diego County [3].
The process involves treating wastewater from East County, producing recycled water, and then further purifying it through an advanced purification process. The purified water will then be pumped into Lake Jennings, a surface reservoir in Lakeside, where it will reside for four to six months before being treated at a drinking water treatment facility and distributed to homes [3].
Beyond providing a sustainable water supply, the AWP project offers several environmental benefits:
•Renewable Energy Generation: The facility will generate three megawatts of renewable energy from digester biogas and organic waste, supplying up to 60% of the program’s electricity needs [3].
•Wastewater Diversion: It will significantly reduce the amount of wastewater currently being discharged into the Pacific Ocean [3].
Despite the substantial investment, the project is designed to be cost-competitive with importing water, and customers are not expected to see an increase in their water rates. The construction includes approximately 30 miles of pipeline for purified water conveyance, with about 30% already completed through Santee and Lakeside communities [3].
Early Challenges and Public Perception
The Santee Lakes project, while now a celebrated success, faced significant challenges and public skepticism in its early days. The idea of using reclaimed sewage for recreational purposes was novel and controversial in 1959 [4].
Overcoming Technical and Geological Hurdles
One of the primary concerns was the potential for the treated water to contaminate the groundwater supply. However, the project’s location in a former gravel pit, which had been mined down to an impervious layer of clay, provided a natural barrier. This geological advantage was a key factor in the project’s feasibility [4].
Another technical challenge was the removal of nitrogen and phosphorus from the wastewater. While nitrogen could be removed through a multi-stage treatment process with different types of bacteria, phosphorus removal proved more difficult. The solution involved using the area’s natural geology: the water was pumped through gravel beds upstream from the lakes, which acted as giant filters to cleanse the water of phosphorus before it flowed into the lake system [4].
Gaining Public Acceptance
Perhaps the most significant hurdle was gaining public acceptance. Ray Stoyer, the visionary behind the project, understood that he needed to win over a skeptical public. His strategy was to create a sense of anticipation and desire for the lakes [4].
He fenced off the newly created lakes and used the reclaimed water to irrigate the surrounding grounds, creating a lush, green oasis with picnic tables. In the hot Santee summers, residents could see the inviting, clear water and the beautiful park, but they were not allowed to access it. This created a pent-up demand for the recreational area [4].
Stoyer also worked closely with the county Department of Health to ensure the water’s safety. After initial opposition and further testing, the health department gave its approval, and the lakes were opened to the public in June 1962. The grand opening was a huge success, attracting 10,000 people [4].
Step by step, the lakes proved to be safe and equivalent to freshwater lakes. The California Fish and Game Department introduced fish, and after a two-year period of “fish for fun” (catch and release), the fish were declared safe to eat. A swimming pool using lake water was also authorized, further solidifying public trust in the project [4]. https://www.sandiego.org/members/santee-lakes-recreation-preserve/941
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