More security in place at Big Canyon

June Casagrande

NEWPORT BEACH -- In response to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, city

officials have added a number of security measures at Big Canyon

Reservoir.

“We don’t like to publicize the specifics of what’s been done there,

but, absolutely, there are some greatly increased security measures,”

City Manager Homer Bludau said. “Based upon those measures, we have

caught some people who have gained unauthorized access to the area.”

Bludau said the people caught in the restricted area near the

reservoir were skateboarders and that there was no indication that the

intruders posed any threat to public safety. Further details of the

incident were not available.

“It’s important people know that we’re doing something to protect it,”

said City Councilman John Heffernan, whose district includes the

reservoir area.

The heightened security measures coincide with a midge fly larvae

infestation that closed the reservoir in late February. After some

residents reported seeing what appeared to be tiny, translucent worms in

their tap water and toilets, the city stopped all water service from the

reservoir. After treating the water with extra chlorine and with copper

sulfate, which kills the algae on which the flies feed, the reservoir was

put back to use on March 7.

“They’re not 100% gone, they never are this time of year, but levels

are back down to what they normally are this time of year,” said Eldon

Davidson of the city’s Public Works Department.

Heffernan said such natural hazards are just one more reason to press

for further protections of the reservoir, which is the city’s main source

of water.

Newport Beach officials are seeking federal funds to help cover the

cost of a large plastic cover for the reservoir. The cover is estimated

to cost between $4 million and $5 million. City officials have asked

California Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, as well as Rep.

Chris Cox, to help the city secure the funding for the cover.

The 200-gallon reservoir supplies 100% of Newport Beach’s water during

the winter months and about 75% during the summer, when increased demand

requires the city to import water from local water agencies.

* June Casagrande covers Newport Beach. She may be reached at (949)

574-4232 or by e-mail at o7 [email protected] .