Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The following are a series of questions, when clicked the answer will appear in another window. Push the back button on your browser to go back to the main FAQ page.

1.   How much will it cost to build and operate the reservoir?

2.   What are the identified benefits?

3.   Are Sites and Temperance Flat reservoirs the best locations for new surface storage and Los Vaqueros Reservoir the best location for expansion?

4.   How quickly can new surface storage be brought online?

5.   What is the impact on the environment?

6.   How could surface storage assist in "saving" the Delta?

7.   How will water from Sites Reservoir be moved through the Delta?

8.   What is the cost of the water? How much more does it cost to get it over the Tehachapi Mountains?

9.   If surface storage is part of the overall solution to California's water supply needs, what are the priorities among all of the options available. How important are conservation and recycling for example?

10. If other cost effective alternatives exist, why is the state looking at Surface Storage?

11. How can decisions on surface storage be made without final studies that better define project costs and benefits?

12. Why are project partners not stepping up to pay for the water supply benefits from the storage projects?

13. What is the estimated yield of the project?

14. Will the existing Red Bluff Diversion Dam be used to divert water to Sites Reservoir?

15. Will Sites Reservoir divert most of the flow in the Sacramento River during the time when the reservoir is being filled?

16. Will Sites Reservoir impede salmon migration?

17. How many years of hydrologic data are being used for the analyses?

18. How is evaporation being taken into account?

19. Will equipment used during the construction of the Sites Reservoir contribute to global warming?

20. Will Sites Reservoir contribute to global warming with the use of electricity associated with pumping?

21. Don't reservoirs release methane and CO2?

22. Will there be a net decrease in stream flow as a result of global warming? If so, how will new reservoirs fill?

23. Does the Water Plan Update say California will use less water in 2030 than today through available conservation measures. If so, why do we need additional water storage?

24. McCloud River is a designated scenic river. Would the Governor's proposal overrule that designation?

To view full document of NODOS Q & A click here.

Contact Us
To submit comments or questions to DWR staff, please
Email at nodos@water.ca.gov