California’s ambitious plan to build its largest reservoir in 50 years, the Sites Reservoir, faces significant hurdles. Despite securing a draft water right to draw from the Sacramento River, project officials are concerned that the restrictions could severely limit the water available, undermining the $6 billion project’s viability.
The proposed Sites Reservoir, located in Glenn and Colusa counties, aims to store 1.5 million acre-feet of water, enough to supply over 3 million households annually. However, the draft water right, issued by the State Water Resources Control Board, limits the annual draw to 986,000 acre-feet and imposes conditions to protect fish and other water users. These constraints could reduce the reservoir’s yield by up to 50%, according to Jerry Brown, Executive Director of the Sites Project Authority.
Governor Gavin Newsom and other supporters, including Senator Alex Padilla, have urged the board to ease these restrictions, arguing that the reservoir is crucial for California’s water security. The project, backed by state and federal funds, is seen as a solution to the state’s water challenges, but faces opposition from environmentalists concerned about its impact on rivers and wildlife.
The State Water Board is set to hold a final hearing on the water right, with a decision expected by November. The outcome will determine whether the Sites Reservoir can proceed as planned, with construction hoped to begin next year and completion by 2034.
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