The long argument over Sites Reservoir enters a consequential new phase

A revised state draft decision has moved the proposed Sites Reservoir into a new round of public scrutiny, sharpening a debate that has followed the project for years: how much water California can store without weakening the river system that supplies it.

The off-stream reservoir would hold as much as 1.5 million acre-feet and divert Sacramento River water during higher-flow periods. Supporters describe it as a flexible reserve for farms, cities and environmental needs. The revised documents add conditions intended to protect water quality, fisheries and senior water-right holders.

Because the release remains a draft, it is not a final construction approval. The public process and other state and federal reviews continue. The most important questions now concern when diversions would occur, how environmental safeguards would be measured and who bears the long-term cost.

See something we should correct? Read our corrections policy.