Calaveras Water District Eyes Reservoir Expansion

San Andreas, CA — The Calaveras County Water District in partnership with two other water agencies is looking at expanding a high alpine reservoir for help during dry years.

District Manager David Andres says the district is working with the Amador Water Agency and East Bay Municipal Utilities District to expand Bear River Reservoir on Highway 88.

The agencies will work together on a feasibility study to raise the dam 10 feet in order to capture additional water.

Andres says the project could net up to 20,000 to 25,000 acre-feet of water, which would then be released during the summer time.

The district would work with EBMUD to take water from one of its facilities down stream for use in the Valley Springs area.

Andres also says it is unknown how this would affect a private campground that currently exists along the reservoir´s shore.

Written by Vanessa Turner.