Project Overview
The Fresno County Stream Group Water Supply Project includes three key project components that together will increase water supply capture, bring greater sustainability, and enhance the environment.
The Stream Group understands the cost to reinvent the wheel is not always necessary, or economically feasible. That’s why they have creatively mapped out a plan to improve and reoperate existing water infrastructure and systems to keep the return on investment high. An estimated $9.2 million investment will increase surface water capture by up to 15,000 acre-feet and provide an estimated 120 jobs. The Project provides a lower per-acre-foot storage capacity development cost compared to other major proposed water storage projects across the State, like new dam and reservoir projects.
Partial funding has been secured thanks to the Project’s clear benefits and feasibility.
Big Dry Creek and Fancher Creek Reservoir Reoperation
$800K Funding Secured
$1.5 million funding needed
Big Dry Creek Channel Improvements
$2.5 MILLION FUNDING SECURED
$2.5 MILLION FUNDING NEEDED
Friant-Kern Canal Turnout
$2.5 MILLION FUNDING SECURED
$1 million funding needed
Big Dry Creek & Fancher Creek Reservoir Reoperation
$800K
FEDERAL FUNDING SECURED
$1.5 MILLION
FUNDING GAP
About
This Project component includes improving the Big Dry Creek and Fancher Creek reservoirs for reoperation. The improvements will increase surface water storage capacity by 15,000 acre-feet. The reservoirs will be used as short-term storage for winter storm water to eventually flow to the region’s extensive network of groundwater recharge basins.
Project Status
In March 2024, an agreement was signed between Stream Group member Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District (FMFCD) and the US Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the project feasibility study. FMFCD is partnering with Fresno Irrigation District and City of Clovis on the study.
The Big Dry Creek and Fancher Creek Reservoir Reoperation Project component is awaiting local cost-share funding.
Feasibility Study Stakeholder Meeting PowerPoints, April 2024
FLOOD
PROTECTION
Reduce flood risk through flood flow capture
GROUNDWATER
RECHARGE
Capture surface water for strategic delivery to regional recharge basins
WATER
STORAGE
Create conservation pool for short-term storage of up to 15,000 acre-feet
Big Dry Creek Channel Improvements
$2.5 MILLION
FUNDING SECURED
$2.5 MILLION
FUNDING GAP
About
This Project component includes improvements and maintenance along the Big Dry Creek Channel to increase Army Corps of Engineers masterplanned flow rate. The Big Dry Creek will serve as a flood channel and create creek bed groundwater recharge potential. With water flowing through the Big Dry Creek Channel during the summer months, locals can enjoy the recreation offered by this rare public access urban creek trailway.
Project Status
The Big Dry Creek Channel Improvements and maintenance began but are not completed. Progress to date allowed 130 cubic-feet-per-second (cfs) to move through the channel during high flows in early 2023, far exceeding the previous maximum flow rate of ~60 cfs.
FLOOD
PROTECTION
Improvements increase regional flood flow conveyance capacity
ENVIRONMENTAL
ENHANCEMENT
Maintenance provides right conditions for native species
GROUNDWATER
RECHARGE
Creek bed acts as natural recharge area
PUBLIC
RECREATION
Maintained public access trail along embankment
Friant-Kern Canal Turnout
$2.5 MILLION
FUNDING Secured
$1 MILLION
FUNDING GAP
About
This Project component involves the construction of a turnout from the Friant-Kern Canal into Big Dry Creek Channel. The turnout will allow surface water diversion in wetter years for flood control and groundwater recharge in an area with limited water supply and declining groundwater levels. The project also provides potential for storage and reconveyance of Friant water supplies into Big Dry Creek Reservoir.
Project Status
The Friant-Kern Canal Turnout design and permitting was initiated in Fall 2023.
GROUNDWATER
RECHARGE
Diverting flows for creek bed recharge
STRATEGIC STORAGE
AND CONVEYANCE
Reconveyance of Friant water offers supply flexibility
FLOOD
PROTECTION
Diverting flood flows during the wettest years