Flood Control
One of the SWP’s primary functions is flood control in
California
construction of
Storage space is provided in Oroville and Lake Del Valle to capture flood flows
and protect areas downstream. Releases are coordinated with other flood control
reservoirs so flows stay within downstream channel capacities.
Floodwater storage space in SWP reservoirs is paid by the federal government,
which regulates how the reservoir space is managed during the rainy season.
Source: California Department of Water Resources