DATE:
October 1, 2025
05
TO:
Board of Supervisors
SUBJECT
Title
ENHANCING OPERATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL CONDITIONS AT EL CAPITAN RESERVOIR (DISTRICTS: ALL)
Body
OVERVIEW
For years, San Diego County residents have expressed growing interest in improved and consistent access to City of San Diego-owned reservoirs, many of which are located in the County's unincorporated communities. In response, the County of San Diego (County) has explored collaborative, cost-effective solutions to maintain and expand recreational access while safeguarding water quality.
The County originally entered into a partnership with the City of San Diego (City) in 1970 to operate the Lake Morena reservoir (Lake Morena). The agreement was amended in 1991 to its current model, where Lake Morena is owned by the City, but leased, operated, and maintained by the County Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR). Under this agreement, DPR has provided consistent recreational access at reduced costs and protected water quality, all while relieving the City of related operating expenses.
In a May 26, 2022, memorandum to the Board of Supervisors (Board) titled "Update on Pursuing Partnerships to Increase Recreational Access to Reservoirs," Lake Morena was cited as a successful long-term lease model that delivers year-round recreation opportunities while safeguarding water supply integrity. The memo highlights DPR's improvements to campsites, restrooms, and trails, as well as successful water quality testing in coordination with the City's Public Utilities Department.
Building on this success, stakeholders have identified El Capitan as another reservoir that could benefit from adopting an operation model similar to that of Lake Morena. This recommendation proposes up to a four-year pilot program for County DPR to coordinate with the City and assume responsibility for the maintenance and operations of recreation activities at the El Capitan reservoir, with the goal of expanding recreati...
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