California Water Board OKs Sites Reservoir Permit Despite Opposition
California Water Board approved the Sites Reservoir permit on November 4, 2026.
Why it matters: This approval impacts environmental and tribal legal rights, regulatory compliance, and statewide water management strategies amid drought risks.
- Sites Reservoir will hold 1.5 million acre-feet, located 65 miles northwest of Sacramento in Glenn and Colusa counties.
- Permit allows diverting up to 986,000 acre-feet annually from the Sacramento River during high flows.
- Environmental groups and Native American tribes oppose the project, citing risks to ecosystems and tribal lands.
- Approval includes conditions protecting senior water rights, water quality, and fisheries in Sacramento River and Delta.
On November 4, 2026, the California State Water Resources Control Board granted a water right permit for the Sites Reservoir project, a 1.5 million acre-feet off-stream reservoir planned 65 miles northwest of Sacramento in Glenn and Colusa counties.
The permit authorizes diverting up to 986,000 acre-feet annually from the Sacramento River during periods of high flow, aiming to store excess water for use during drought. This aligns with California's goal to add 9 million acre-feet of water storage capacity by 2040, as outlined in a state government announcement.
Opposition from environmental groups and Native American tribes focuses on risks to habitats, fisheries, and impacts on tribal lands. Tribes argue the project could infringe on sacred sites and compromise tribal water rights, underscoring unresolved historical and legal challenges in managing California’s water resources. For context on tribal water rights, see background from the Indian Gaming Lawyer.
The Water Board approved the permit with stringent conditions aimed at protecting senior water rights holders, maintaining water quality, and safeguarding fisheries in both the Sacramento River and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta. These conditions include monitoring requirements, limits on diversions during sensitive periods, and mitigation plans developed in consultation with stakeholders.
The Sites Project Authority, comprising state and federal agencies and local water districts, leads the reservoir’s development. Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted in a government statement that the project is "a critical component" of California’s water resilience strategy to capture water during wet years for use in droughts.
Legal observers expect ongoing challenges regarding tribal consultation processes and environmental compliance, which may shape future project implementation and regulatory oversight.
By the numbers:
- 1.5 million acre-feet — Sites Reservoir planned capacity
- 986,000 acre-feet — Annual authorized diversion from Sacramento River
- 9 million acre-feet — California’s targeted added water storage capacity by 2040
Yes, but: While the permit includes strict mitigation conditions, opponents argue these measures may be insufficient to fully protect tribal sites and sensitive ecosystems, suggesting further legal challenges could arise.
What's next: Stakeholders including Native American tribes and environmental groups are expected to pursue legal reviews and public comment processes over the coming months, potentially delaying construction timelines.