Sites Reservoir Clears Major Water-Right Hurdle: $6 Billion Project Near Maxwell Could Break Ground in 2027

MAXWELL, Calif. — November 5, 2026. A major proposed reservoir west of Maxwell has secured one of its last major regulatory approvals. On Wednesday, November 4, the California State Water Resources Control Board unanimously approved a water right for the Sites Reservoir project in Colusa and Glenn counties. The proposed off-stream reservoir would hold up to 1.5 million acre-feet of water and is estimated to cost $6.2 billion to $6.8 billion. The San Francisco Chronicle reported the unanimous decision following the board’s hearing; the State Water Board also maintains project certification records.

What exactly was approved?

The decision grants a conditional right to divert water from the Sacramento River for storage at Sites, with a stated annual maximum of 986,000 acre-feet and a diversion season of November 1 through June 14. Diversions depend on river flow and other environmental conditions, including provisions to protect migrating fish. This is permission subject to operating rules—not proof that the reservoir is already filled, built or financed.

When could construction begin?

The Sites Project Authority says major work could start in June or July 2027, with completion currently projected near the end of 2034. Those dates are projections. The participating urban and agricultural water agencies still need to complete financing commitments, affected properties need to be acquired, and lawsuits remain possible. Project planners anticipate using approximately $1.4 billion in state bond funds, with participating water agencies financing much of the balance. Construction would involve dams, access roads, pipelines and related infrastructure in a rural region.

Why some communities oppose it

Supporters argue that storing more water during wet periods will help protect communities and farms during drought. Environmental organizations, fishing advocates and tribal representatives argue that Sacramento River diversions could harm salmon and steelhead and that reservoir construction would inundate lands with cultural and burial significance. Representatives of the Cachil Dehe Band of Wintun Indians raised concerns at the November 4 meeting. The approved permit contains environmental requirements, but the broader dispute is not resolved by the board vote.

What it means for Maxwell and neighboring towns

Residents of Maxwell, Williams, Sites and Willows may face future construction activity, road changes, land acquisition questions and the longer-term impact of major new water infrastructure. None of those effects should be treated as a current road closure or an already-issued construction schedule. Read the Sites Project Authority for construction materials and the State Water Board for permit conditions. Sources: State Water Board November 4 hearing and project records; San Francisco Chronicle November 4 reporting; California Water Commission project documentation. Status as reviewed November 5.

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