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Fury ignites among California residents calling new reservoir plans a ‘cultural genocide’
California’s State Water Resources Control Board has approved a permit for the proposed Sites Reservoir, a major water storage project in the northern Sacramento Valley. The decision advances a plan backed by Governor Gavin Newsom as a way to store water for dry periods, but tribal representatives and other critics say it could damage ancestral lands and cultural sites.
The reservoir would divert water from the Sacramento River and hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet, enough to supply 4.5 million homes per year. If built, it would be California’s first new reservoir since New Melones Lake was completed in 1979. Its estimated cost has risen from $4.5 billion to $6.2 billion and is now expected to approach $7 billion; the project authority says its proposal underwent an extensive review and was revised in response to concerns.
In short
- California approved a permit for the proposed Sites Reservoir.
- Tribal representatives warn it could harm ancestral and cultural sites.
- The project’s estimated cost is approaching $7 billion.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a large reservoir could capture water in wet periods for use during droughts, improving the reliability of supplies for households, farms and communities. They see the project as a long-term investment in resilience, and say its design has been reviewed and revised to address concerns while meeting water needs in a changing climate.
The case against
Tribal representatives and other critics argue that storing water cannot justify damage to ancestral lands, cultural sites and places of continuing importance to Indigenous communities. They also question whether the rising cost and environmental effects are warranted, and contend that water security should be pursued in ways that do not impose lasting cultural losses.