In a major move to protect both water resources and public safety, California has launched construction of the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility (ERF) in Riverside County, roughly 60 miles east of Los Angeles.
The project, overseen by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), will create new infrastructure to safely redirect water from Lake Perris in case of a major earthquake or other emergency situations. The lake's proximity to several seismic faults puts approximately 80,000 local residents at potential risk.
The ERF project includes construction of new levees, bridges, and drainage systems downstream from the dam. These additions will create protected channels to divert water safely into the Perris Valley Channel during emergencies.
"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," said David Sarkisian, state water project dam safety services manager.
Lake Perris, holding 131,400 acre-feet of water, serves as the southern endpoint of California's State Water Project. The reservoir provides drinking water and agricultural support while attracting nearly one million recreational visitors annually to its 8,800-acre recreation area.
Construction will continue through 2027, with efforts made to minimize disruption to local activities and maintain access to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area and fairgrounds. The project specifically aims to protect critical infrastructure including a school, Interstate 215, and a nearby water treatment plant.
The ERF project represents the second phase of a three-part modernization program. The first phase, completed in 2018, strengthened the dam's foundation. The final phase, focusing on outlet tower improvements, is scheduled for completion in 2029.
Through these comprehensive updates, California demonstrates its commitment to protecting both its water infrastructure and surrounding communities from natural disasters.
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