California approves Sites Reservoir despite tribal objections

California water board approves Sites Reservoir permit

California water regulators voted to move forward with building the state’s largest reservoir project in nearly 50 years.

Sites Reservoir capacity and purpose

The reservoir could hold 1.5 million acre-feet of water diverted from the Sacramento River, enough to supply 4.5 million homes for one year.

State officials call it a smart investment

Supporters including Gov. Gavin Newsom called the $7 billion project a 'smart investment' for California’s future amid climate change.

California secretary for natural resources

Wade Crowfoot, California secretary for natural resources, said the water system was built for a climate that no longer exists.

“Our water system was built for a climate that no longer exists”

Tribal opposition to reservoir

Tribal groups and environmentalists warned the project would destroy cultural sites and harm the ecosystem.

Kasil Willie's concerns

Kasil Willie, policy director at Save California Salmon, said the project site falls on tribal ancestral territory and risks destroying cultural sites.

Cultural genocide claim

Amanda Mitchum, Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians, called the project 'cultural genocide' and warned it would erase tribal history.

“If the water board approves this permit, understand that you are approving the erasure of our past generations and our generations to come”

Environmental concerns

Critics warned the reservoir would worsen water quality with harmful algal blooms and mercury contamination.

Salmon and ecosystem impact

The project threatens salmon populations and river flows, with critics saying cold water is needed for survival.

“There needs to be cold water flows for salmon”

Project timeline and cost

Construction could start as early as summer 2027, with the project now estimated at $7 billion.