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Analysis identifies magnitude of issues, estimates costs to restore submerged section of Yosemite Valley.

The Department of Water Resources (DWR) and California Department of Parks and Recreation (State Parks) today released the Hetch Hetchy Restoration Study. The report estimates restoration could cost from $3-10 billion and identifies crucial information that would be necessary if it were decided that the project should move forward.

“The restoration of this unique natural resource has been the subject of much public interest,” said DWR Director Lester Snow. “This report will contribute to a well-informed discussion on the complex issues associated with restoration, water supply and power reliability.”

The report is an analysis of past studies on Hetch Hetchy. The effort is also the result of the first-ever public forum to discuss water supply and water quality, operational flexibility, flood impacts, cultural considerations, and environmental, energy and recreation aspects of the Hetch Hetchy Valley and water system.

“Hetch Hetchy is one of the four glacially-carved valleys in California, a beautiful and unique place that would likely attract significant recreational use and enjoyment from the public,” said State Parks Director Ruth Coleman. “But to pursue a direction toward resource restoration and recreation, further study far beyond this report is needed.”

Although there have been many studies on the feasibility of Hetch Hetchy restoration, the new report found major information gaps in such areas as dam removal, potential benefits of restoring the valley, replacing water and power, benefits of the existing system, and public involvement. The study estimates that costs for the restoration could range from $3 billion to nearly $10 billion, depending on factors such as water and power supplies replacement and the type of valley restoration activities.

No formal recommendation is made about next steps, as Hetch Hetchy Valley is part of Yosemite National Park and thus not under state control. Further investigations into Hetch Hetchy restoration must be shaped by the participation of the federal government and entities such as the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, tribes, and the public.

In 2004, in response to a legislative request to Governor Schwarzenegger, Secretary for Resources Mike Chrisman directed DWR and State Parks to review and summarize the many Hetch Hetchy restoration studies and analyses prepared by other organizations and public agencies over the past 20 years. During the course of the project, the state convened a public workshop to solicit input and worked closely with stakeholders that could be affected by this project.

Hetch Hetchy is not a state-owned or operated facility, but changes to the system would impact California's natural resource management activities and responsibilities, including water and energy supplies, ecosystem impacts, water quality, recreational and economic considerations.
Copies of the report are posted at hetchhetchy.water.ca.gov. Hard copies can be ordered by email: hetchhetchy@water.ca.gov.

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