California to Have First New Water Reservoir in Almost Five Decades

In a significant development for the state of California, Governor Gavin Newsom has set in motion the approval process for a long-awaited water storage project.

California to Have First New Water Reservoir in Almost Five Decades

This ambitious $4.5 billion endeavor, known as the Sites Reservoir, is situated on sprawling ranch lands in Glenn and Colusa counties, marking California’s first major reservoir in nearly 50 years.

The primary objective of this project is to harness and store more water from the Sacramento River during periods of abundance, ensuring a stable supply during droughts.

A Much-Needed Step Towards Water Security

Governor Newsom emphasized the urgency of the project, stating, “We’re cutting red tape to build more faster.” The Sites Reservoir holds the promise of addressing one of the state’s most pressing challenges: providing access to clean drinking water and fortifying against future droughts. This reservoir boasts an impressive capacity, capable of holding up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water, which translates to an annual supply sufficient for 3 million households, both urban and rural.

Balancing Needs and Concerns

While proponents champion the reservoir as a vital step towards bolstering water storage…