October 2009 - South Tahoe Public Utility District

Executive Summary
Introduction, Purpose and Objectives
The South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) has prepared this Recycled Water Facilities
Master Plan (Master Plan) for their recycled water and freshwater operations in Alpine County,
California. The District also prepared an associated Environmental Impact Report (EIR) in
accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
The purpose of the Master Plan is to identify infrastructure and management projects to assure
continued successful operation of the District‟s recycled water and freshwater systems in Alpine
County.
The District treats wastewater generated in the Lake Tahoe basin and exports the treated
wastewater (recycled water) to Alpine County where it has been used to irrigate ranch lands
since the 1960‟s. The District also operates a freshwater system in support of Indian Creek
Reservoir, a recreational amenity in Alpine County that was formerly used for recycled water
and which has since been converted to a freshwater reservoir.
The objectives of the Master Plan include the following.
1) Establishing a plan for recycled water and freshwater management for operation through
the year 2028.
2) Assuring regulatory compliance of the District‟s recycled water and freshwater
operations.
3) Protecting and enhancing the environment in Alpine County.
4) Continuing cooperation with Alpine County stakeholders.
Background
In 1967 the South Tahoe Public Utility District (District) entered into an agreement with the
Alpine County Water Agency for importation, storage and direct land application of recycled
water in response to the Porter Cologne Act which, among other things prohibited the use of
recycled water within the Tahoe Basin.
Infrastructure was constructed to convey recycled water from the District‟s wastewater treatment
plant out of the Lake Tahoe basin along Highway 89 over Luther Pass to Highway 88 in Hope
Valley, then along the West Fork of the Carson River and eventually to the Indian Creek
Reservoir, which was originally built for recycled water storage. The District entered into
agreements with ranch owners in Alpine County to receive the recycled water for their use in
irrigating their ranch lands.
South Tahoe Public Utility District
Recycled Water Facilities Master Plan - October 2009
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