Plans finalized for creating new water storage in Northern California

Last week, the Bureau of Reclamation and Sites Project Authority released final plans to create new off-stream water storage in the Sacramento Valley. The proposed reservoir—Sites—would be the second largest off-stream reservoir in the nation and would increase Northern California’s water storage capacity by up to 15 percent.

“This is a really big step forward for the Sites project and another example of how state and federal agencies are working together to build our water resilience amidst climate change,” said California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot. “Sites Reservoir promises to help us adjust to intensifying floods and droughts by storing water in big, wet winters like we just had for use during the dry years that we know will return. The environmental review that has just been completed for the project will guide how this project can operate in alignment with existing water and environmental management, as well as other water infrastructure. We have no time to waste to put these climate solutions into place.”

“This finalized plan between the Bureau of Reclamation and the Sites Project Authority is a significant step forward in increasing water storage in our region,” said Rep. Mike Thompson (CA-04). “I have long supported this project, and as a State Senator, I appropriated the first funds for Sites Reservoir. I was proud to have voted for the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which provided millions of dollars in investments to make this project a reality.”

A $30 million investment to the project under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law was announced in October 2022 and an additional $30 million in July 2023. The project was also authorized $173.7 million from the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act, for a total of $233.7 million in federal contributions to date.

Located 81 miles northwest of Sacramento, Sites Reservoir would store water diverted from the Sacramento River, after all other water rights and regulatory requirements are met. Water will be released to beneficiaries throughout the state primarily during drier periods when it is needed. The proposed project includes an off-stream reservoir located north of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta where the majority of California’s rainfall occurs.

“Sites Reservoir is a new way of managing water that will adapt to our changing climate and provide a more reliable water supply for California’s communities, farms, and environment,” said Fritz Durst, Chair of the Sites Project Authority. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the Bureau of Reclamation, which exemplifies the spirit of collaboration that’s been a hallmark of Sites Reservoir.”