Water Storage
The SFPUC is looking at ways to store more water and increase water storage. We are looking at expanding reservoirs, building reservoirs, and storing water underground.
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Sunol Quarry Pits
The SFPUC leases land to several quarry operators along Alameda Creek. We are exploring other uses after these leases end. This includes using the quarry pits for water storage. We are studying the needs, costs, and water supply benefits of this project.
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Groundwater Banking
A groundwater bank works much like a regular bank. You store money when it is available and then withdraw it when you need it. The SFPUC is looking at banking water in the San Joaquin River Basin. In wet years, we would store surface water, or water from snow or rainfall, in the groundwater aquifer. In dry years, we would use the banked groundwater. That way, extra surface water from the Tuolumne River would be free.
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Expansion Projects
Los Vaqueros Reservoir Expansion (Canceled)
Contra Costa Water District (CCWD) canceled this project in fall 2024. It was canceled for several reasons. These include project risks, rising project costs, and decreasing water supply benefits. Los Vaqueros Reservoir is in and operated by Contra Costa Water District. Bay Area water agencies looked at increasing Los Vaqueros Reservoir by about 40%.
Participating agencies agreed to contribute funding to the project for water storage. A Joint Powers Authority led this project. Participating agencies and CCWD made up the Authority.
Calaveras Reservoir Expansion (Deferred)This project has been deferred. Calaveras Reservoir is in Alameda and Santa Clara counties. It and stores water from the Alameda Creek Watershed. This project looked at expanding the reservoir by up to 94 billion gallons of water. Currently, it holds 31 billion gallons.
The proposed project would include raising the New Calaveras Dam. It would also increase the capacity of other infrastructure at the reservoir.