Rain and snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada flows through the Sacramento-San Joaquin Bay Delta and supplies drinking water—through the State Water Project (SWP)—to 27 million people. Yet the reliability of this critical water supply is compromised.
DWR Updates
![A view of the Lake Oroville main spillway in Butte County, California. The spillway gates are designed with seals to minimize leakage around the edges of the gate. This modest leakage is beneficial with respect to reducing friction when the gates are operated.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Oroville/KG_oroville_40680_06_06_19.jpg?mw=200&hash=445ACF6A214FE001C9088CE5CB0ED8B4)
Due to late precipitation and based on inflows, DWR has taken steps to prepare for potential use of the spillway.
![A view of the Lake Oroville main spillway as heavy equipment crews work to remove blast material from the nearby hillside at the Butte County, California site. Photo taken May 30, 2019.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Oroville/KG_oroville_39746_05_30_19.jpg?mw=200&hash=B52DFB9C6DB3E7831CDC7EA6CB9576A0)
Due to forecasted inflows into Lake Oroville, DWR is preparing for the potential use of Oroville’s main spillway next week.
On May 31, we commemorate National Dam Safety Awareness Day, a day to reflect on lessons learned from past dam incidents and to persevere in our core commitment toward public safety by ensuring that California's dams remain safe, operational, and resilient.
![Crews working on Upper Sausal Creek Restoration Project.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Other/Sausal-Creek.jpg?mw=200&hash=C47339B4E4E612E8A918BCD8E617A353)
Local agencies, State government representatives, and community members came together May 11 to celebrate the completion of the Upper Sausal Creek Erosion Control Restoration Project, a collaborative effort that provides improvements to the community of Oakland and local fish habitats.
![Algal scum](/-/media/DWR-Images/Other/San-Luis-Dinosaur-Pt-Dock272616.jpg?mw=200&hash=FADABE213230EF0E201E4C66CAED420C)
DWR urges swimmers and boaters to take the necessary precautions and stay away from algae. While some algae are harmless, certain types can produce toxins that can make people and animals sick. There is no way to tell if an algal bloom is toxic just by looking at it.
![DWR scientists dissect Delta smelt as part of a study to monitor the effects of introducing hatchery smelt into the wild.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Fish/KG_smelt_study_2.jpg?mw=200&hash=DDE1B0207F25231EEE277B759F6200F2)
About seven miles north of Rio Vista in Yolo County, DWR’s Sentinel research vessel gently approaches the underwater cages.
![Quagga mussels are usually smaller than a dime. Picture showing mussel about one-half inch in length.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Other/quagga.jpg?mw=200&hash=49126D5F865C31681D3E4DA4622CB1D5)
As boating season kicks off, DWR, California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), and California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) urge boaters to always remember to clean, drain, and dry their boats before entering and leaving lakes, rivers, and other waterways to help prevent the spread of quagga or zebra mussels.
![(Left to Right) President of Paradyne Consulting Jon Swartzentruber, Chief of DWR’s Division of Engineering (DOE) Jeanne Kuttel and Chief of DOE’s Construction Branch Paul Strusinksi receive award on May 17 for Partnered Project of the Year Award for the Oroville Spillways Emergency Recovery project.")](/-/media/DWR-Images/Other/Oroville-Team1.jpg?mw=200&hash=3589A704C0D771CE7E188BDD82E435B2)
With the goals of zero accidents and claims, on time, within budget, and meeting quality objectives, DWR’s Collaborative Partnering Program is a vital tool for improving the success of its construction projects.
![An aerial drone view of the Bidwell Canyon Marina showing Lake Oroville at an elevation of 887 feet, or 94 percent of total capacity, on May 6, 2019.](/-/media/DWR-Images/Oroville/KG_oroville_drone_23259_05_06_19.jpg?mw=200&hash=D653F56D58DF8007D06C3AA8B67554C5)
For anyone who enjoys the abundant recreation opportunities at Lake Oroville, a full reservoir is a welcome site after years of drought and lower-than-normal lake levels due to spillway reconstruction.