State Water Project

The State Water Project is the nation's largest state-built water and power development and delivery system.  Stretching from Northern California through the  Bay Area, the Central Valley and into Southern California, it is a multi-faceted system that includes reservoirs, lakes, storage tanks, canals, tunnels, pipelines and pumping and power plants.  Together, these elements enable the state to capture, store, and convey water to 27 public water agencies. Through the State Water Project, State Water Contractors member agencies deliver water to more than 25 million residents, businesses and farms up and down California.

Built more than 50 years ago, the State Water Project was a marvel for its time. Today, critical infrastructure investments must be made to ensure a continued reliable water supply. The heart of the State Water Project, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, is no longer a suitable pathway for the state’s water supplies. Struggling fish populations, environmental issues and ongoing regulatory hurdles make the Delta incompatible with a reliable water delivery system.