Making RiverArc a Reality

RiverArc is currently envisioned to be constructed in multiple phases. The first phase will include a new water treatment plant with a capacity of 60 million gallons per day (mgd), upgrades to the existing Sacramento River intake facility, a new raw water pumping station and pipelines between the existing diversion facility and the new treatment plant, as well as treated water transmission pipelines connecting the plant to the participating water purveyors.

Future phases could begin construction as early as 2040 and could involve increasing the capacity of various facilities, including the raw water pumping station, the water treatment plant, and the transmission pipelines to meet the water supply needs of the region. RiverArc’s phasing and facility capacities are expected to be further refined as regional water agencies continue to evaluate their future demands along with the long-term sustainability and reliability of their supplies.

Early Project Planning: 2017 - 2023

• Defined project scope, including project phasing, capacity alternatives, and facility locations

• Developed and began implementing strategic funding plan

• Conducted modeling to quantify project benefits to the CVP and state water supply reliability

• Prepared a term sheet for the use of existing intake facilities

• Performed a regional water supply assessment

• Analyzed environmental constraints

Phase 1 Planning: 2024 - 2027

• Prepare environmental documentation and secure necessary permits

• Establish a governance structure

• Develop a basis of design report

• Conduct water rights analyses

• Perform surface water/groundwater modeling

Phase 1: 2027 - 2030+

• Upgrade pump at existing intake facility

• Design and construct raw water infrastructure connecting the existing Sacramento River diversion facility to the water treatment plant

• Design and construct the first phase of a new regional water treatment plant

• Install finished water transmission pipelines and connect them to existing distribution systems

• Enable delivery to municipal and industrial customers and support conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater

Phase 2: 2040+

• Expand water supply availability by connecting Sacramento River and American River sources

• Expand water treatment capacity to meet the needs of the region

Phase 3: 2050+

• Plan and construct infrastructure to enhance operational flexibility for the Central Valley Project

• Further minimize reliance on the American River watershed