Map Shows Where California’s Largest New Reservoir in 50 Years To Be Built
Summary
California’s State Water Resources Control Board unanimously approved a water-right permit for the proposed Sites Reservoir, a nearly $7 billion project near Maxwell. The reservoir is designed to store water pumped from the Sacramento River during wet periods and release it when supplies are low; construction is expected to begin in 2027, with completion planned for 2034.Key Facts
- The reservoir would be about 70 miles northwest of Sacramento and flood roughly 15,000 acres.
- Plans call for two dams nearly 300 feet tall and nine smaller dams.
- The reservoir would hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, less than Lake Shasta or Lake Oroville.
- The project is estimated to cost between $6.2 billion and $6.8 billion.
- State and federal funds are expected to cover about one-third of construction costs, with participating water agencies covering the rest.
- Environmental groups and a scientist have questioned the project’s water supply, environmental effects, and greenhouse gas emissions.
- The Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians and Kletsel Dehe Wintun Nation have raised concerns about flooding culturally and ancestrally significant areas.
- The water board said it considered objections and found sufficient environmental safeguards in place.
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