Recycled Water Reservoir

Carlsbad, CA

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At a glance

The City of Carlsbad is working to complete the third phase of its recycled water program, a critical step for conservation and sustainability.
An important program component includes a new recycled water storage tank near the corner of Black Rail Road and Poinsettia Lane, on a site that is already home to three similar storage tanks and a recycled water pump station.
The storage reservoir will hold up to 1.5 million gallons, much smaller than the large tank visible at the site and slightly larger than the two smaller reservoirs on the site.
Construction is scheduled from Sept. 2023 through fall 2024.

Construction – what to expect

About construction

Construction is scheduled from Sept. 2023 through fall 2024.
Work hours will generally be Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 4 p.m., except for city holidays.
During construction, noise from construction equipment and grading can be expected.
No interruptions to water or sewer service are anticipated, and the city would provide advanced notice if any planned interruptions are needed.
Crews will work to minimize impacts from noise and dust.
Landscape improvements will be constructed near the southern and eastern areas of the property to partially screen the reservoir from view.

Background

The City of Carlsbad has long been a leader in recycled water, desalination and water conservation. The new reservoir has been planned since 2012 as part of the city’s efforts to increase recycled water capacity.

The construction contract was approved by the City Council at their meeting on June 6.
View the staff report
Watch the meeting recording

The current site has been in use for nearly 40 years, and currently includes a recycled water pump station and three existing water reservoirs.

Recycled water stored at this new reservoir will be used to irrigate landscaping in street medians, city parks and HOA common areas in your neighborhood.

Recycled water is becoming increasingly important as a sustainable water source for irrigation or other non-drinking uses. Each gallon of recycled water used for irrigation saves a gallon of drinking water, and it is about 25 percent cheaper than a gallon of potable water, because the city controls the production.

About the new tank

Recycled water tank rendering

View from the north of rendering of future reservoir with landscape improvements and mature trees in 5-10 years. This new facility will increase the city’s recycled water storage capacity, helping to ensure a reliable water source for irrigation.

The tank will be built on the city’s existing reservoir site near the intersection of Poinsettia Lane and Black Rail Road, and will be about the same size as the site’s existing smaller tanks.

1.5 million gallons (the large tank can hold up to 8.5 million gallons)
85.5 feet in diameter
40 feet high
Location APN 215-081-16-00