- Reclamation scheduled public negotiation sessions for the proposed Sites Reservoir Project in early February 2026.
- The Sites Reservoir would be a large offstream storage project west of Maxwell, California.
- A separate long-term water conveyance contract involving Folsom Reservoir entered a public comment period.
- Written comments on the Warren Act contract are due by February 18, 2026.
Thursday, January 22, 2026 — On Friday, the Bureau of Reclamation announced it would continue public negotiation sessions with the Sites Project Authority regarding a proposed Partnership Agreement for the Sites Reservoir Project
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The proposed project would involve the construction of a new off-stream reservoir with a storage capacity of up to 1.5 million acre-feet. The reservoir would be located approximately 10 miles west of Maxwell, California, and is designed to store water during wetter periods for later use. Off-stream reservoirs differ from traditional dams because they are filled by diverting water during high-flow conditions rather than permanently blocking a river.
According to Reclamation, the Partnership Agreement under negotiation would define the terms and conditions under which the federal government and the Sites Project Authority would share capacity and responsibilities for the project. These negotiations are a required step before any long-term federal participation can move forward.
Public negotiation sessions are scheduled to take place in Sacramento at the Cottage Café Conference Rooms at 2800 Cottage Way on the following dates:
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February 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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February 3, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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February 6, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Members of the public may attend these sessions and provide comments related to the proposed contracting action. Participation instructions and copies of the proposed contract are expected to be available at each session. Reclamation officials stated that public involvement is part of the federal contracting process for major water infrastructure projects.
Public Comment Period Opens for Folsom Reservoir Conveyance Contract.
In a separate announcement also released on January 16, 2026, Reclamation reported that it had completed negotiations with the San Juan Water District on a long-term Warren Act contract.
The proposed contract would allow continued conveyance of up to 25,000 acre-feet per year of non-Central Valley Project water through federal facilities at Folsom Reservoir. The Warren Act of 1911 authorizes the federal government to move non-federal water through federal reservoirs and canals when excess capacity is available.
Reclamation stated that the contract supports commitments previously made by San Juan Water District under the American River Basin Water Forum Agreement, a regional effort focused on water supply reliability and environmental protection in the American River watershed.
The negotiated contract is now available for public review and comment. Written comments must be received by the close of business on February 18, 2026. Reclamation officials emphasized that public input is required under the Warren Act contracting process before a long-term agreement can be finalized.
Why These Deadlines Matter.
Both actions involve federal decisions that shape how water is stored and moved in Northern California. The February negotiation sessions for the Sites Reservoir Project represent a key opportunity for public observation and comment while contract terms are still being discussed. Similarly, the February 18 public comment deadline for the Warren Act contract marks the final step before Reclamation decides whether to approve the long-term conveyance agreement.
Together, these processes highlight how federal water facilities continue to play a central role in California water management, particularly as agencies and districts plan for long-term supply reliability under changing hydrologic conditions.
Pictured: Folsom Reservoir
, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, March 2004.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an off-stream reservoir?
An off-stream reservoir stores water diverted from a river during high-flow periods rather than sitting directly in the river’s path. This design can reduce impacts on river flows during normal conditions.
What is the purpose of the Sites Reservoir Project?
The project is proposed to increase water storage capacity in Northern California, so water can be saved during wet years and used during drier periods.
Can the public attend the Sites Reservoir negotiation sessions?
Yes. The sessions scheduled for early February 2026 are open to the public, and attendees will have an opportunity to provide comments.
What is a Warren Act contract?
A Warren Act contract allows non-federal water to be conveyed through federal reservoirs or canals when excess capacity is available, under terms set by federal law.
When is the deadline to comment on the Folsom Reservoir contract?
Written public comments on the proposed long-term Warren Act contract must be received by February 18, 2026.
Does this article indicate whether the projects will be approved?
No. The article summarizes announced negotiations and public comment opportunities but does not predict or advocate for any final decisions.
