Expansion of San Luis Reservoir: California’s $1 Billion Water Storage Project

By Sustainability Awakening

Introduction - The Need for Water Storage

California faces growing water challenges, but a nearly $1 billion project could change the game.

The San Luis Reservoir expansion is set to increase the state’s water storage capacity, helping urban areas and agricultural regions alike.

The Plan to Raise the Dam

The B.F. Sisk Dam will be raised by 20 feet—10 feet for earthquake safety and 10 more to store more water.

This will give the San Luis Reservoir an additional 130,000 acre-feet of storage space, benefiting 2 million people.

A Vital Resource for California's Future

"This is a critical step towards securing our water future," says Cannon Michael, chair of the San Luis and Delta-Mendota Water Authority.

The expansion will help capture more water during wet years to combat California’s changing climate.

A Collaborative Effort

California's water agencies and the Biden administration are working together to fund the project.

Westlands Water District and others are chipping in, with each contributing funds in exchange for storage space.

A Step Toward Climate Resilience

The project is a response to shrinking snowpack and increased storm runoff due to climate change.

Storing more water when available is essential for California's resilience in future droughts.

That is also the basis of all water conservation strategies.

Environmental Impact

Not just for people, the expansion will also support wetlands and habitats for wildlife, helping migrating birds and other species in California's Central Valley.

Long-Term Benefits

The San Luis Reservoir provides water for over 1 million acres of farmland, including the almond, pistachio, and tomato crops grown in Fresno and Kings counties.

Farmers will have a reliable source of water, boosting the state's agriculture.

A win for both humans and nature!

While funding still needs to be secured, the dam raising is expected to be completed in less than 10 years.

The Road Ahead

This will be the largest water storage project in California since the 1970s—paving the way for a more water-secure future.

The San Luis Reservoir expansion isn't just a project—it's part of a larger effort to modernize California’s aging water systems and ensure a sustainable future for millions.

Want to learn more about how this project could change the future of California’s water systems? Keep following Sustainability Awakening!