Abstract
Author(s): Nelson, Barry | Abstract: The goal of this paper is to analyze storage projects constructed and planned in California since 1980, in contrast with storage constructed before that date. As a result of California’s highly variable climate, storage is an essential tool for agricultural and urban water users. Today, the state regulates approximately 1,250 reservoirs, with a combined storage of 42 million acre-feet. Federal agencies regulate approximately 200 additional reservoirs. The vast majority of this surface storage was constructed before 1978, when New Melones Dam, the last large on-stream water supply reservoir in California, was completed. The role of storage in meeting future needs remains a high-profile issue in the California water debate. For example, funding for new storage was the largest item in Proposition 1, the most recent water bond voters approved. This analysis included a review of existing literature, such as the California Department of Water Resources Division of Dam Safety database, California Water Commission documents about new storage proposals, water agency documents, and interviews with water agency staff and others. Water managers face dramatically different conditions today, in comparison to conditions before 1980. These conditions have led to new approaches to water storage that represent a dramatic departure from past storage projects. During the past 37 years, a wide range of new water storage strategies have been planned and implemented. These facilities have created a combined new storage capacity greater than that of Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir. These new storage strategies suggest the need to revisit the fundamental definition of water storage. With limited potential for new storage drawing from the state’s rivers, California must choose storage projects wisely. By learning from successful strategies in recent decades, decision-makers can make better storage investment decisions to help reverse declines in ecosystem health and improve water supply reliability.
Highlights
Artificial water storage is an important part of most of the dozens of significant water systems in California
This paper explores the history of water storage development in California through three phases, beginning before the construction of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the first large multi-purpose reservoir in the state, through the golden age of dam building from 1923 to 1978, and storage projects planned and constructed since 1980
An analysis of recent storage projects can reveal opportunities to avoid further damage, and even to provide significant environmental benefits. This analysis included a review of existing literature on storage projects in California, including relevant recent articles, the California Department of Water Resources (CDWR) Division of Safety of Dams (DSD) database, other CDWR documents, California Water Commission documents on new storage proposals, and water agency documents
Summary
Artificial water storage is an important part of most of the dozens of significant water systems in California. Tens of billions of dollars have been invested in more than 1,400 dams across the state. Tens of billions of additional dollars will be invested in California to ensure adequate water supplies. One of the important questions water managers must answer in making these investments is the extent and type of water storage best suited for future conditions. This paper explores the history of water storage development in California through three phases, beginning before the construction of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, the first large multi-purpose reservoir in the state, through the golden age of dam building from 1923 to 1978, and storage projects planned and constructed since 1980. Many past water storage projects have resulted in significant damage to aquatic ecosystems, wildlife, and fisheries. An analysis of recent storage projects can reveal opportunities to avoid further damage, and even to provide significant environmental benefits
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