Santa Fe Irrigation District is asking for assistance from the community to potentially identify individuals responsible for recent vandalism at the San Dieguito Reservoir and Pump Station. In addition, SFID would like to remind the community that the dam, reservoir, and pump station are critical components of the community’s water treatment and distribution system and are not open to the public for safety to the individuals and to the water system. 

Early on Wednesday, May 28, SFID crews discovered that intruders had jumped the fence and forcibly removed railing that protects pipeline vaults behind the dam. The railing, along with several large rocks, were thrown into a vault that holds a pipeline that feeds water to nearby communities. Fortunately, the pipelines were not breached, and the damage to the pipeline and infrastructure that monitors pipeline pressure was minimal and is currently being repaired. 

“The San Dieguito Dam, Reservoir and Pump Station are critical components of the system that provides water to Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch and Solana Beach. We take the security of these facilities very seriously,” said Al Lau, General Manager. “We understand that some members of the community may want to access the reservoir, but we have regulatory compliance and security mandates that must be followed for the safety of the water supply, the community and our staff. For the safety of our community, please stay out of our facilities unless you are invited and follow all posted signage.”

While the damage was minimal, accessing the reservoir and pump station is illegal and anyone identified as doing so will be reported to the Sheriff’s Department. In response, SFID has placed a security guard at the site, and is installing additional lights and cameras. Last summer, SFID placed some cameras on the dam and had security on site after individuals were accessing the reservoir to fish and urinate in the water. The reservoir is not a body contact reservoir, and additional treatment is required if there is human contact. If you have any information regarding vandalism, please contact SFID at 858-756-2424 or customerservice@sfidwater.org.