Sites Reservoir: Water for Dry Years
Now more than ever, California needs innovative solutions to ensure we have a sustainable water supply. Our climate has changed, and we need more storage as the West gets drier and hotter to ensure we have enough water to meet our needs.
Sites Reservoir is a unique, multi-benefit water storage project that will capture and store water from major storms, so water is available to California’s communities, farms, and environment during dry periods.
The water that Californians use for drinking, recreating and protecting the environment moves through a system that is arguably the most complex in the world.
Sites Reservoir Benefits
- Reliable dry-year water supply for California’s communities, farms and environment
- Dedicated environmental water for native fish, migratory birds, and their habitats
- Adaptable to climate change
- Contribution to California’s renewable energy goals
- Flood management
- Recreational opportunities
- Job creation, including a large skilled workforce during construction
Sites Reservoir Fast Facts
Creates additional 1.5 million acre-foot off-stream storage for drier periods
Increases Sacramento Valley water storage capacity
Creates reliable supplies for environmental, agricultural, and municipal uses
30 participating agencies representing communities across California
A Part of the Sacramento Valley
Sites Reservoir would be located on the west side of the Sacramento Valley, near Maxwell, California – a rural farming town in Colusa County, approximately 65 miles northwest of Sacramento. The Sacramento Valley is known for its farming community, rich agricultural benefits, and natural beauty. The region’s acres of grassland surrounded by rolling foothills make it an ideal location for off-stream water storage. The proposal is widely supported by local community leaders, residents, as well as state water managers and water agencies from the Bay Area to Southern California.
A Bird’s-Eye View of California’s Water Future
Join JP Robinette, Engineering and Construction Manager for the Sites Project Authority, for a drone tour of the future Sites Reservoir site. Discover how the project leverages existing water infrastructure to capture water from the Sacramento River and deliver it to our participants. More than just a reservoir, Sites is a climate-resilient investment in California’s future.
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Did you know Sites Reservoir is designed as a rain-fed reservoir? As California gets more intense rainstorms, Sites Reservoir will capture and store a portion of high river flows to use during dry years.
Learn more at http://SitesProject.org.
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The Sites Reservoir Project emerged as one of the state’s most rapidly advancing water storage initiatives in 2025, and we’re energized about what`s ahead in 2026. 🔗 Visit the link in our bio to read our latest blog for @norcalwater.
Did you know Sites Reservoir is designed as a rain-fed reservoir? As California gets more intense rainstorms, Sites Reservoir will capture and store a portion of high river flows to use during dry years.
Learn more at SitesProject.org.
Sites Reservoir will be the first reservoir in California dedicated to capturing and storing water for the environment. It’s part of the project’s novel approach to managing water in California. #BuildSitesNow
#DidYouKnow? Once constructed, Sites Reservoir would be the 8th largest reservoir in California, with a capacity of 1.5 million acre-feet. Learn more at SitesProject.org.
The Sites Project Authority is preparing for the procurement of a Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for the nearly $2 billion of conveyance infrastructure. 🏗️
📅 Contractors: Join us on February 13 for an informational session on the planned conveyance infrastructure, the CMAR delivery method, and the preliminary procurement timeline. 🔗 Visit the link in our bio to learn more.
We’re grateful to our federal partners at the @usinterior, who have helped make this project possible and look forward to advancing Sites in the coming year.
Learn more at sitesproject.org.
Sites Reservoir is supported by a statewide coalition of water agencies, government partners, and elected officials. It reflects a shared commitment to strengthening California’s water future. #BuildSitesNow
Sites Reservoir will provide a more flexible water supply for California that will benefit communities, farms, and ecosystems across the state.
Learn more at SitesProject.org
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Did you know Sites Reservoir is designed as a rain-fed reservoir? As California gets more intense rainstorms, Sites Reservoir will capture and store a portion of high river flows to use during dry years.
Learn more at SitesProject.org.
11 CommentsComment on Facebook
Did you know that the Sites Reservoir will not be feed by rain in the area? It will be filled with raindrops collected in other reservoirs and pumped Uphill into it!
It’s only for agricultural use, not for the people, and we the tax payers will pay for it.farmers and ranchers pay o
Right? Like it will ever be built.