Reservoir Sedimentation and Water Supply Reliability

Reservoir sedimentation is a growing threat to water supply reliability and flood hazard protection, throughout the world and right in our backyard. California’s aging water storage and delivery infrastructure exacerbates this issue, as well as changing weather patterns that challenge our ability to capture and deliver sufficient supply to population loads.  This article explores the issue of reservoir sedimentation from the ground up, including discussion of what sedimentation is, why it is a problem, and how it should be addressed. For instance, once a reservoir has lost storage capacity and function due to sedimentation, how should that material be removed and disposed of? And once a reservoir’s capacity has been restored, how can it be maintained? Are there situations where a dam is best left abandoned, once its reservoir is full of sediment? How can this issue be avoided in the future? This article uses case studies to demonstrate how reservoir sedimentation is addressed in different ways, depending upon site-specific conditions and expectations for future reservoir function, including as related to water storage, flood control, and environmental needs. Aspen’s relevant project experience is also highlighted throughout the article.

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