Sites Reservoir is a generational opportunity to construct a multi-benefit water storage project that helps restore flexibility, reliability, and resiliency to our statewide water supply. Simply put, no other storage project currently under consideration in California can positively influence the operational efficiencies of our existing statewide water.
Perhaps what makes Sites Reservoir so unique is that it is not a “traditional” reservoir project. It is an off-stream facility that does not dam a major river system and would not block fish migration or spawning. Rather, Sites Reservoir offers a significant water storage opportunity that benefits both people and the environment.
Sites Reservoir captures and stores stormwater flows from the Sacramento River—after all other water rights and regulatory requirements are met—for release primarily in dry and critical years for environmental use and for California
communities, farms, and businesses when it is so desperately needed. Sites Reservoir is designed to be adaptable to a changing climate. As snowpack declines due to climate change and more of our water comes in the form of atmospheric rivers – Sites Reservoir will become even more vital to the future resiliency of our statewide water supply.
Take a Virtual Tour of Sites Reservoir
Sites Reservoir Fast Facts
Provide water for up to 1.5 million homes and businesses for one year
Increases Sacramento Valley water storage capacity
Creates reliable supplies for environmental, agricultural, and municipal uses
29 participating agencies representing communities across California
With Sites Reservoir, there can be significant benefits for California’s communities, farms, and environment including:
Off-stream Storage
Does not create a barrier to native fish migration
Cooperative Operation
Increases effectiveness and efficiency of existing water storage infrastructure
Federal and State Agencies Manage Environmental Water
Adaptable to current and future conditions and priorities
Adaptable to Climate Change
Adaptable to Climate Change
Contributes to system reliability and performance with climate change
Local Leadership and Cooperation
Aligns with Sacramento Valley’s values and fosters regional and statewide collaboration
Dry Year Water Supply
Dry Year Water Supply
Reliable dry year water supply for California communities, farms and businesses
Recreational Opportunities
Provides northern Sacramento Valley with additional opportunities for recreation
Environmental Support
Environmental Support
Provides environmental water in drier periods for native fish, and habitat for native species and birds