Sites Reservoir Project Boosts California’s Water Resilience

By Magazine Team On May 15, 2025 467 0

Contents

1 Strategic Location and Design

2 Governance by the Sites Project Authority

3 Integration with State and Federal Water Systems

4 Environmental Considerations

5 Funding and Economic Impact

6 Community and Stakeholder Engagement

7 Project Timeline and Next Steps

8 References

The Sites Reservoir Project represents a pivotal advancement in California’s water infrastructure, aiming to bolster the state’s resilience against droughts and climate variability. Spearheaded by the Sites Project Authority, this initiative seeks to enhance water storage capabilities while addressing environmental and community needs.

Strategic Location and Design

Situated near Maxwell in Colusa County, approximately 65 miles northwest of Sacramento, the proposed Sites Reservoir will occupy a 14,000-acre basin in the Antelope Valley. This offstream reservoir is designed to capture and store up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water diverted from the Sacramento River during periods of high flow, after satisfying existing water rights and environmental requirements. Unlike traditional reservoirs, Sites will not dam a major river, thereby minimizing impacts on fish migration and spawning habitats.

Governance by the Sites Project Authority

Established in 2010, the Sites Project Authority is a joint powers authority comprising various local and regional entities, including irrigation districts, water agencies, and counties within the Sacramento Valley. The Authority is responsible for the planning, financing, and implementation of the Sites Reservoir Project. Its governance structure ensures that the project aligns with regional water management objectives and stakeholder interests.

Integration with State and Federal Water Systems

The Sites Reservoir is designed to operate in coordination with California’s existing water infrastructure, including the State Water Project (SWP) and the Central Valley Project (CVP). By capturing excess flows during wet periods, the reservoir will provide a supplemental water source during dry spells, enhancing the overall flexibility and reliability of the state’s water supply system.

Environmental Considerations

A key feature of the Sites Reservoir Project is its commitment to environmental stewardship. The project plans to allocate up to 372,020 acre-feet of storage specifically for environmental purposes, such as supporting fish populations and improving water quality in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. Additionally, by operating as an offstream reservoir, Sites aims to reduce ecological disruptions commonly associated with traditional dam-based storage systems.

Funding and Economic Impact

The estimated cost of the Sites Reservoir Project stands at approximately $3.9 billion. Funding sources include significant contributions from both state and federal entities. In 2018, the project received $816 million from California’s Proposition 1 water bond, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture committed $449 million. The Bureau of Reclamation has also provided substantial support, recognizing the project’s potential to enhance water storage capacity by up to 15% in Northern California.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement

The Sites Project Authority has actively engaged with local communities, tribes, and environmental organizations throughout the project’s development. This collaborative approach aims to address concerns, incorporate feedback, and ensure that the reservoir’s construction and operation align with the needs and values of affected stakeholders.

Project Timeline and Next Steps

Construction of the Sites Reservoir is projected to commence in 2025, with operations expected to begin by 2030. Ongoing efforts include finalizing environmental reviews, securing necessary permits, and completing detailed engineering designs. The Sites Project Authority continues to coordinate with state and federal agencies to navigate regulatory processes and ensure the project’s timely advancement.

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