California DWR begins construction on Lake Perris water release facility with drainage upgrades
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has begun construction on the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility project in Riverside County, aimed at modernizing water infrastructure and ensuring public safety. This project is designed to safeguard the community in the event that Lake Perris needs to be lowered during emergencies, such as a major earthquake.
The improvements include the construction of new levees, bridges, and a drainage system downstream of Perris Dam. These upgrades will enable water to be safely redirected from Lake Perris into a drainage channel, ultimately reaching the Perris Valley Channel. Additionally, infrastructure improvements will protect nearby areas, including a school, water treatment plant, and the critical Interstate 215.
David Sarkisian, State Water Project Dam Safety Services Manager, emphasized the importance of resilience: “As earthquakes and extreme weather events are a constant threat to our infrastructure, DWR continues to modernize our facilities to be resilient and protect the local community and California’s water supply,” he said. “The project’s improvements downstream of Lake Perris will provide additional protection for the community through the construction of drainage infrastructure.”
Community engagement has been a priority, with over 100 meetings held since 2013 to discuss the project's impact. Local access to the southeast side of Lake Perris and the fairgrounds will remain open during construction, though residents can expect localized noise and increased site activity.
The project is part of the larger Perris Dam Modernization Program, with planned completion in 2027. Earlier phases included the successful completion of the Perris Dam Remediation Project in 2018. The final phase, the Outlet Tower Improvements Project, is expected to be completed by 2029.
Lake Perris, completed in 1974, is a key water source for Southern California. The State Water Project (SWP) provides water to 27 million residents and irrigates 750,000 acres of farmland across the state. The Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility is a critical part of California’s ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure and resilience, as part of Governor Newsom’s "build more, faster" initiative.
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