ACTION ALERT: STOP SITES RESERVOIR - Protect the Sacramento River

State Water Board Slated to Vote on Sites Reservoir. Your Voice is Needed on Nov 4th. 

This is a critically important moment to stand up for rivers. 

The most massive new dam project in decades – Sites Reservoir – is just one step away from being approved by the State Water Board on November 4. The latest draft water right permit strips away key protections for water quality, salmon, and river health. We need them to put those protections back. 

Your voice is critical in speaking out. Sign up to join us on November 4th (virtual or in-person) to give public comment. You don't need to be a policy expert to make a difference. We'll help you prepare, explain what's at stake, and give you the tools to speak up.

We’ll provide training and everything you need to make your voice heard. 

What is at stake? 

Sites Reservoir is a proposed set of nine dams and canals which would pump water from the Sacramento River into a large, shallow reservoir in the western Sacramento Valley. It would take water when salmon and other wildlife need it most. It would also release mercury and toxic algae into our waters, and would emit methane, a potent greenhouse gas. 

(See: our previous article on the first draft of the water rights permit) 

The Board's first draft permit included a critical safeguard: Sites Reservoir could not divert water unless Sacramento River flows were at least 55% of natural flows, or during winter and spring periods until flows were high enough to support salmon migration. 

The latest draft removed those protections, not based on science, but due to political pressure. This could set a dangerous precedent. 

The Board is planning to receive your comments and vote on the permit at a public hearing on November 4. The meeting is hybrid, so you can participate remotely or in person. 

You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. Stand up for the Sacramento River.

WHAT YOU CAN DO: 

Speak up for California’s rivers on November 4!

The State Water Board needs to hear from people who care about the Sacramento River, the Bay-Delta, and the fish, wildlife, and communities that depend on them. Your public comment can help shape this decision and push for the environmental protections our rivers deserve.

Join us virtually or in person to give public comment. You’ll have up to three minutes to tell the Board why protecting our rivers matters. We’ll provide speaker training, talking points, and support to help you feel prepared. You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference. You just have to show up!

California’s rivers need a voice in this decision. Let’s make sure the State Water Board hears us loud and clear!