Why can't the city invest in graffiti removal paint so when these problem reoccur again, they can just wash it off. At a certain point, there must be an economies of scale.

Preston, I agree!

Also, there's a critical security issue involved if people can get within the fenced area to paint graffiti on the tanks and if the tanks supply drinking and other water to the local area, those same or other people can sabotage by contaminating the water supply and harm a lot of unknowing residents. There are surveillance cameras around but but based on the amount of graffiti, they appear in-effective. Based on the current level of terrorism awareness, shouldn't there be an higher level of security involved with these community water tanks?

So true, this needs to be quite a bit higher priority of Vallejo.

"Physical security has always been a problem at finished water storage sites. Generations of teenagers have used water towers as canvasses for graffiti. If locks and chains can't keep the teenagers, that is, juvenile delinquents with paint out, they are unlikely to thwart terrorists with toxins." (D.J. Kroll, 2006, page 66)

Everyone has brought up great points. The Water Division is in compliance with all water security regulations, and is always looking for more and better ways to keep our drinking water safe. Any questions or concerns regarding the security of drinking water can be routed to the Water Division directly at 707-648-4307.
Below is a little bit of information regarding the water reservoir tanks and the graffiti on them:
1. Discussions are underway regarding graffiti-resistant paint and its cost
2. Access to the site is a separate issue from access to the tank. The platform necessary to access the tank is at least 12 feet off the ground; in addition the hatch at the top of the tank is padlocked.
3.The City is in the midst of a multi-year project installing security cameras at each tank site; cameras are monited by the Police Dept.

Courtney, thank you for responding with a update on the graffiti, better clarification of the security situation, especially with the surveillance camera and on info on hatch access to the water tanks.

Glad there I'd finally analysis being considered f2f or graffiti removal paint. However once inside someone could just attach an M80 and a massive explosion could be an unfortunate reality. Securing the entire perimeter with a rod iron fence & barb wire needs to be paramount here. Seems the City is quite lackadaisical in this regard.

This issue, Work Order #TP5324, was fixed on 8-17-2013. Thank you again for reporting!

Thanks for fixing this issue!