The Sites Project Authority is eyeing a significant milestone this month in its endeavor to build a new water storage reservoir in Colusa County. They are hopeful to secure a draft water right permit for the future reservoir. The Sites Authority said the State Water Resources Control Board might issue the water right order as soon as this summer. Any delays in issuing the water right could increase the project’s cost by $20 million each month. … However, several organizations have filed protests against the water right application, including the Center for Biological Diversity, the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, AquAlliance, and the Central Delta Water Agency.

Other water infrastructure news:

• The SJV Sun (Fresno, Calif.): Westlands pushes for more water storage as Calif. declared drought-free​
• Maven’s Notebook: Blog: Protecting public health — inside the Division of Drinking Water