Yes, in 2014, California voters approved Proposition 1, a $7.5 billion water bond that allocated $2.7 billion specifically for the public benefits of new water storage projects, including reservoirs.
California Globe
This funding aimed to support the construction of several new reservoirs to enhance the state's water storage capacity.
Among the projects considered for funding under Proposition 1 were:
Sites Reservoir: A proposed off-stream reservoir in the Sacramento Valley, with an estimated cost of $4.4 billion.
CalMatters
Temperance Flat Dam: A proposed dam on the San Joaquin River, intended to create a reservoir with a capacity of 1.26 million acre-feet.
Wikipedia
Pacheco Reservoir Expansion: A project to expand the existing Pacheco Reservoir from 5,500 acre-feet to 140,000 acre-feet, with costs rising to approximately $2.5 billion.
Wikipedia
Despite the approval of Proposition 1 in 2014, as of early 2025, no new major reservoirs have been completed in California. Projects like the Sites Reservoir are still in the planning and approval stages, with construction expected to begin in 2024 and completion targeted for 2030.
Wikipedia
The delay in constructing new reservoirs has been attributed to various factors, including environmental concerns, regulatory hurdles, and funding challenges.
California Globe
In summary, while Proposition 1 provided funding for new water storage projects, including reservoirs, the construction of these facilities has faced significant delays, and as of now, no new major reservoirs have been built in California since the bond's approval.
Adding 4 to 5 million acre-feet to 50 million acre-feet represents an approximate 8-10% increase in California's total reservoir capacity.
