KERNVILLE, Calif. -- The Forest Service is asking for public comments on a proposal to improve and modernize water storage facilities at two developed campgrounds and two recreation areas located at Lake Isabella.

At Auxiliary Dam Recreation Area, the proposed project includes replacing the existing 30,000 gallon water tank with a new steel welded water tank with grade ring and gravel.

The Auxiliary Dam water system also supplies water to Old Isabella Recreation Area. The pump supply line and distribution line with control valves would be re-connected, a new sample tap and water level indicator would be installed, and all valves would be either repaired and/or replaced as needed.

For the last two years, the water system has not been adequate to supply enough water to operate showers, flush toilets, and hydrants, especially during the summer holiday weekends.

At Live Oak North and South Campground and the Group Area site, the proposed project includes the replacement and/or removal of the existing 3,390 gallon steel pressure tank and the 42,000 gallon water storage tank with a new 60,000 steel welded tank.

A second 41,000 gallon tank, lower in elevation, is kept off line due to the fact that it doesn’t currently create enough pressure to adequately feed the system.

This tank will be removed. This water system also supplies water to Tillie Creek Campground and its Group Areas.

At the site’s well head/pump house, the existing sample tap and piping would be removed and replaced, a backflow protection system would be installed, and all valves would be either repaired and/or replaced as needed.

Both the upper and lower water tanks were relined several years ago to extend their storage life expectation and are now in need of replacement.

The new water tanks would be manufactured and installed in accordance with American Water Works Association and Kern County Environmental Health Department regulations.

This work is needed to modernize outdated water storage facilities, improve drinking water supplies, and reduce deferred maintenance costs at these sites.

The project will correct any deficiencies or items of concern from either sanitary and/or condition surveys and bring these water systems up to standard. As a result all recreation users would be better served.