Reservoir’s New Name Adds Nature Preserve

The Chatsworth Reservoir is now the Chatsworth Nature Preserve/Reservoir, according to City Councilman Hal Bernson.

The move to change the name, initiated in December by Bernson to emphasize the area’s value as a wildlife refuge, is effective immediately following recent approval of the city Department of Water and Power Commissioners. The City Council endorsed the name in January, but change required the DWP’s final approval.

The city-owned reservoir opened in 1913 but was closed for water storage in 1969 due to earthquake concerns.

Bernson, whose district includes the reservoir, said the new name reflects the area’s zoning status.

“In an effort to assure the future of the reservoir as a park and nature preserve, free of any residential or commercial development, the name should be changed,” Bernson wrote in December.

Bernson’s motion also lauded the space as “an important natural preserve for the residents of the San Fernando Valley. It provides the residents a place to experience and to observe nature in all its beauty.”

“Furthermore, it is the home to a large population of natural flora and fauna, much of it indigenous to the Southwest. It is consistently used as an educational experience for Los Angeles schoolchildren. Environmental organizations frequent the preserve to conduct research and educate the public.”