# Californians erupt at plans for largest new reservoir in 50 years: ‘Cultural genocide’

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/californians-erupt-at-plans-for-largest-new-reservoir-in-50-years-cultural-genocide/
- Published: 2026-11-08T18:55:57+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-08T19:26:11+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/08/us-news/californians-erupt-at-plans-for-sprawling-sites-reservoir-project/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- California approved a key permit for the Sites Reservoir.
- The project could store 1.5 million acre-feet of water.
- Tribes and environmental groups oppose its cultural and ecological impacts.

## Summary

California’s State Water Resources Control Board has approved the final water-right permit for the Sites Reservoir, a major project planned for Glenn and Colusa counties. The decision advances a new source of stored water intended to help communities and farms during droughts, but has drawn opposition from Native American tribes and environmental groups.

The off-stream reservoir would store up to 1.5 million acre-feet, enough to supply more than 4.5 million homes for a year, by capturing high flows from the Sacramento River. Tribal representatives say it would cover ancestral trails and cultural sites, while environmental critics question its cost and potential effects on the river and San Francisco Bay-Delta. Construction is scheduled to start in 2027, with operations expected by 2033.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.