Project will aid in statewide water supply reliability
A key milestone was recently reached, bringing the
Sites Reservoir project—a crucial initiative contributing to California's water infrastructure—closer to construction. The final environmental impact report, officially certified by the US Bureau of Reclamation and Sites Project Authority, paves the way for construction, which is scheduled to begin in 2025 and is expected to conclude in 2030.
“The certification of the final environmental impact report marks a pivotal moment. As we move towards construction, we are not just building a reservoir but a more sustainable and interconnected water infrastructure that will benefit us and future generations,” concluded Bruce Houdesheldt, Roseville Mayor. “It will increase statewide reliability for the environment, agriculture, and urban water users.”
Understanding what is at stake, back in early 2017, Roseville opted into the project's initial phase and shares a board seat on the Sites Joint Powers Authority Board with the Placer County Water Agency. Even though Roseville won't directly receive water from this project, the interconnected water systems in California ensure benefits for Placer County and our watershed.
“Sites Reservoir is a crucial step towards ensuring water security in our region,” said Vice Mayor Krista Bernasconi. “By diversifying our water sources, we can reduce the impact on existing facilities and enhance our resilience, benefiting everyone in California."
The new above-ground storage facility in Glenn and Colusa counties provides a solution to store extra water, relieving the strain on existing state and federal water supply storage facilities.
“As we embark on the construction phase of the Sites Reservoir, we are not merely building a reservoir but investing in a water management legacy,” emphasized Scott Alvord, Roseville Councilmember. “This project's forward-thinking design and careful environmental considerations guarantee a reliable water supply that will stand the test of time, reinforcing California's resilience in the face of evolving challenges.”
The Sites Reservoir's strategic location offers a potential solution for storing excess surface water across California, aiming to reduce dependence on existing water storage facilities like Folsom Lake.
Roseville stands to benefit indirectly from this project, as the Sites Reservoir, with a proposed capacity of up to 1.8 million acre-feet, introduces a substantial water source that can be channeled into the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. This redirection is poised to enhance water quality and foster a more conducive habitat for fish.
The Sites Reservoir will alleviate pressure on Folsom Lake, the primary water source for Roseville, as less water needs to be released into the Delta for environmental preservation.
"As an above-ground storage facility, this project is valued for ensuring a sustainable water supply for our community and beyond while also making a significant contribution to environmental well-being," said Pauline Roccucci, Roseville Councilmember. "Redirecting water to the Delta for ecological reasons benefits our communities and helps maintain a balanced ecosystem."