FBI WARNING WATER AGENCY SITE CLOSED TO PUBLIC.

Byline: Kathleen Sweeney Staff Writer

SAUGUS - A security guard was posted Monday at the gates of the Castaic Lake Water Agency after federal officials urged tighter security at the nation's water facilities.

The water wholesaler, which provides water to more than half of the Santa Clarita Valley, recently received a security advisory from the Homeland Security Advisory System asking the agency to ``maintain security'' put in place after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Mary Lou Cotton, CLWA assistant to the general manager, wouldn't discuss specifics of the alert, but said that for at least two weeks, the public is no longer allowed to walk their dogs along the winding road leading to the treatment plant or wander freely in its garden.

``We were having a really difficult time controlling access near the treatment plant,'' Cotton said. ``It's just a new way for all of us to have water facilities.''

Officials with the Department of Water and Power, which provides water to Los Angeles, said they stationed guards at the entrance to its water facilities a few months ago.

Cheryl Mimura, an FBI spokeswoman, said the agency has not issued an alert regarding the water supply, but agents have made contact with local water agencies to discuss security.

After the Sept. 11 attacks, CLWA attempted to keep the Rio Vista Conservatory Garden open on a limited basis, but security became a problem.

The agency is devising a plan so the public can continue to enjoy the garden, but it first wants to evaluate security at upcoming community events, Cotton said. Those events will be held by appointment, and the sponsors of the events are required to provide security guards.

At this weekend's Taste of the Town, a fund-raiser for the Santa Clarita Child and Family Center, visitors will be required to park at Central Park and take a shuttle, Cotton said. There will also be security guards patrolling the area and no one will be allowed near the treatment facility.

School tours and education programs, such as the agency's landscaping classes, however, will continue because both activities are under constant supervision by a staff worker, Cotton said.

``The garden is important to us because it's a big benefit to the community,'' she said.

Wayne Wheatley, a Copper Eagle Security guard, stopped at least 20 people before noon Monday who planned to visit the garden or were walking their dog. He handed out a flier with an explanation and a warning: ``This road and the water treatment plan are completely off limits.''

``They are upset because it's a public thing,'' he said. ``If there is a water facility ... someone could come and poison our waters.''

But Cotton said the agency is doing its job by protecting the valley's water supply, and a guard will be stationed at the gate between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. each day.

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(color) Security guard Wayne Wheatley keeps watch on traffic coming into the Castaic Lake Water Agency property on Monday.

Andy Holzman/Staff Photographer