SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) has launched construction on the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility project in Riverside County, aiming to safeguard communities and enhance California’s water infrastructure. This new facility will redirect water from Lake Perris during emergencies, such as major earthquakes.
The project includes constructing levees, bridges, and a drainage system downstream of Perris Dam. It also improves infrastructure like Interstate 215 and a local water treatment plant. “Modernizing our facilities ensures resilience against earthquakes and extreme weather,” said David Sarkisian, DWR’s Dam Safety Manager.
Set for completion in 2027, the project is part of the larger Perris Dam Modernization Program, designed to protect over one million annual visitors and strengthen California’s water reliability.