Federal officials visit the Imperial Valley this week to break ground on a new reservoir project designed to save Colorado River Water. The Colorado is also a major source of water for San Diego County. KPBS Reporter Erik Anderson has more.
The man made lake will be built east of El Centro in the Imperial Valley. It'll be in the midst of the Algodones San Dunes park just off interstate eight. The Bureau of Reclamation manages water flowing down the Colorado River. Bureau spokesman Kip White says it'll cost 172 million dollars to build the lake.
"The state's of Arizona, California, and Nevada are paying the cost of this. there are not federal dollars involved. And in return for that they get the water that is saved out of this."
White says water officials will be able to capture Colorado River Water that would otherwise flow out into the ocean. The reservoir will be able to hold up to 23 billion gallons of waters. It's the only water storage area between Parker Arizona and the gulf of California. Erik Anderson KPBS News
