Trampas Canyon Reservoir under construction

One of the largest water districts in South Orange County, the Santa Margarita Water District, is in the process of building a one-point-six billion gallon recycled water reservoir.

District External Affairs Director Jim Leach says the Trampas Canyon Reservoir is on 177 acres south of the Ortega Highway.

It will help the district meet its goal of recycling 100 percent of its wastewater. The reservoir may one day provide the region the opportunity to reuse recycled water for drinking water.

Leach says construction is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

The water district serves 165-thousand residents in South Orange County.