Sweetwater Reservoir Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Sweetwater Reservoir is located in San Diego County, California and was created in 1888 to provide drinking water to the city of San Diego.


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Summary

The reservoir covers an area of 960 acres and has a capacity of 26,000 acre-feet. The hydrology of the reservoir is primarily fed by surface flows from the Sweetwater River and its tributaries, as well as from snowpack in the surrounding mountains. The reservoir also serves as a source of irrigation for nearby agricultural areas. Recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and hiking are popular among visitors. The reservoir is managed by the Sweetwater Authority, a public agency that is responsible for maintaining the water quality and ensuring a reliable water supply for the surrounding communities.

Reservoir Details

24hr Change None%
Percent of Normal None%
Minimum
Maximum
Average
Dam_Height 112
Hydraulic_Height 99
Drainage_Area 182
Year_Completed 1888
Nid_Storage 27689
Hazard_Potential High
Primary_Dam_Type Gravity
River_Or_Stream Sweetwater River
Surface_Area 936
Dam_Length 700
Nid_Height 112
       
Seasonal Comparison
Storage Levels
Pool Elevation Levels
Top Conserv Storage Levels
Inflow Levels

Weather Forecast

Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.