California advances major water storage and infrastructure projects

California is advancing major water infrastructure projects to improve drought resilience and water safety. The Sites Reservoir project, one of the largest in the state's modern history, has reached a milestone toward construction. Following a revised water right permit from the Sites Project Authority, the project is entering an investment period. A final permit is scheduled to go before the State Water Board on November 4. Once completed, the reservoir is expected to hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water from the Sacramento River, enough to supply over 4.5 million homes annually.

In Los Angeles, the Department of Water and Power (LADWP) has completed a key stage in the $14.3 million upgrade of the Santa Ynez Drinking Water Reservoir in Pacific Palisades. Crews have finished installing a new liner and floating cover to meet federal Environmental Protection Agency requirements and enhance potable water safety. The reservoir is expected to begin refilling and return to full service by December 2026. Additionally, LADWP is managing a $78 million water main improvement project involving the replacement of approximately 100,000 feet of older pipeline.