Awning Company in Perris, CA

Efforts to modernize California's water infrastructure and safeguard public safety in the event of an earthquake are taking center stage as the state's Department of Water Resources (DWR) begins construction on the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility (ERF) project this month in Riverside County.

This ambitious initiative, taking place about 60 miles east of Los Angeles, aims to protect local communities and vital infrastructure by enabling safe water redirection in case a major earthquake or other emergencies occur.

The ERF project, part of the broader Perris Dam Modernization Program, includes building new levees, bridges and a local drainage system downstream from the dam.

These upgrades will allow water to be diverted safely away from Lake Perris through a series of levees and channels to the Perris Valley Channel in the event of a severe earthquake or extreme weather.

David Sarkisian, manager of dam safety services in DWR's Division of Operations and Maintenance, told Newsweek: "With Perris Dam identified as a high-priority state-owned dam for seismic improvements due to its proximity to nearby earthquake faults and large downstream communities, DWR began the Perris Dam Modernization Program in 2005."

"Without the program, Perris Dam would be less resilient to major earthquakes."

The lake itself sits near several seismic faults, according to the DWR, heightening the risk to 80,000 people who call Perris, the town that has arisen around the reservoir, home.

Notably, the project will protect a school, Interstate 215 and a nearby water treatment plant.

The construction, set to continue through 2027, is a big task. It will involve localized noise and traffic modifications, all while maintaining access to the Lake Perris State Recreation Area and fairgrounds.

The recreation area covers some 8,800 acres, incorporating the reservoir itself and the surrounding landscape.

Read more Lakes

Once complete, should a major earthquake strike and damage the dam infrastructure, the water in the lake will be quickly and safely lowered using the new system.

"In addition to serving DWR's needs with respect to Perris Dam, the ERF project helps build out local drainage infrastructure for the community," Sarkisian said.

"The channel to be constructed as part of the ERF project will help reduce localized flooding within the City of Perris through the conveyance of local storm waters to the Perris Valley Channel."

The project is slated to cost $62 million, according to Sarkisian.

Around a million visitors a year flock to the lake's beaches, according to California State Parks, a state agency.

Water levels in Lake Perris are at 1,578 mean feet above sea level, around 23 feet below its full level, according to the website Lakes Online.

The ERF project is part of a three-phase modernization effort for Lake Perris, which is the southernmost reservoir in California's State Water Project. Built in the 1970s, the lake provides water to millions of Californians, supports recreation and serves as the terminus for the East Branch of the California Aqueduct.

The first phase, the Perris Dam Remediation Project, strengthened the dam's foundation and was completed in 2018. The final phase, the Outlet Tower Improvements Project, scheduled for completion in 2029, will further enhance the lake's ability to manage water releases during emergencies.

Do you have a tip on a science story that Newsweek should be covering? Do you have a question about Lake Perris or earthquakes? Let us know via science@newsweek.com.

Update 12/12/24 4:13 a.m. ET: The article was updated with comments from David Sarkisian.

Infrastructure Improvements Will Protect Downstream Communities & California’s Water Supply

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Furthering efforts to modernize California’s water infrastructure and improve public safety, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) is starting construction on the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility project this month in Riverside County. The project will build new infrastructure to safely redirect water and protect the community should Lake Perris need to be lowered during an emergency event, like a major earthquake.

Planned improvements will include new levees, bridges, and a local drainage system downstream of Perris Dam. With this additional infrastructure, water could be redirected from Lake Perris through levees into a drainage channel and ultimately into the Perris Valley Channel. These upgrades along with improved roadside landscaping and relocation of utilities will provide protection to the community and other infrastructure, including a local school, Interstate 215, and a water treatment plant.

“As earthquakes and extreme weather events are a constant threat to our infrastructure, DWR continues to modernize our facilities to be resilient and protect the local community and California’s water supply,” said David Sarkisian, State Water Project Dam Safety Services Manager. “The project’s improvements downstream of Lake Perris will provide additional protection for the community through the construction of drainage infrastructure.”

Over 100 meetings have been held with the community, county, city, utility companies, and fairgrounds since 2013 to discuss this project and the impacts of its construction. Access to the southeast side of the Lake Perris State Recreation Area and to the Lake Perris Fairgrounds will be maintained as they will remain open during construction. Localized noise and increased activity at the site are expected during construction.

The Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility project is planned for completion in 2027 and is part of the larger Perris Dam Modernization Program. The first phase included the Perris Dam Remediation Project that strengthened the dam’s foundation and was completed in 2018. The Outlet Tower Improvements Project that will enhance water releases during normal and emergency operations is the final project planned for completion in 2029. All three projects work together to enhance the public’s safety and ensure a more reliable water supply to the community.

Lake Perris, built in 1974, is the southernmost State Water Project (SWP) reservoir and receives more than one million visitors yearly. The SWP, spanning more than 700 miles, consists of a system of canals, dams, reservoirs, pumping plants, and power plants that provide water to 27 million Californians and 750,000 acres of farmland throughout California.

Projects like the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility project are part of Governor Newsom’s build more, faster agenda delivering critical infrastructure projects across the state to benefit all Californians. Find projects in your community at build.ca.gov.

To learn about the Lake Perris Emergency Release Facility project, view this informational video and visit DWR's website.

Contact:Maggie Macias, Information Officer, Public Affairs, Department of Water Resources

(916) 820-7662 | media@water.ca.gov

San Francisco, CA-based DECA has announced plans to build a brand new ±855,330-square-foot warehouse/distribution facility in Perris (Riverside County), California. The project, Perris Gateway (PG), is a fully entitled, state-of-the-art speculative cross-dock development situated on over 42 acres in Perris, part of the Inland Empire East submarket. The new warehouse facility is the second phase of the project, with the first phase consisting of +/- 27,000 sf of newly built retail space that began construction along Ramona Expressway earlier this year in March.

“We’re thrilled to be starting construction on Perris Gateway,” said Travis Duncan, VP of Development for Deca, “With grading on the industrial project having commenced, we’re enabling 1,200 construction jobs and over 800 permanent jobs when the building is fully operational next summer.”

DECA recently closed on a $135 million construction loan to fund the development of the new ±855,330-sf warehouse facility. The loan was provided by Affinius Capital and Bank OZK. The equity commitment originated from DECA's principals and Wildcat Capital Management.

“Bank OZK is pleased to once again partner with Affinius Capital to provide financing for this expansive industrial development that will serve as a convenient, flexible and accessible distribution hub,” said Jason Choulochas, Managing Director of Originations at Bank OZK.

The freestanding building is strategically located off Interstate 215, a key logistical route, with high freeway visibility. The property is proximate to the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach as well as the Los Angeles International Airport and several other airports that stretch from the Pacific Coastline to the inner valley.

“This is the best project, period, in the 20 years I have been on this commission,” said Dwayne Hammond, Perris Planning Commission Chair during the approval of the project in 2023. As part of the overall master plan, Deca will also be widening Ramona Expressway and installing much needed flood control infrastructure to enhance the safety and reliability of Nevada Avenue.

Cushman & Wakefield’s Andrew Starnes, Phil Lombardo and Cruise Adams have been hired to lead leasing efforts for the new warehouse development.

“We are very excited to lead leasing efforts for Perris Gateway, which promises to be a superior distribution location providing users with many logistical advantages. This premier facility will have 40-foot clear heights and will cater to the ongoing demand for efficient Class A distribution space in Southern California for large-scale users to satisfy their supply chain strategies,” said Andrew Starnes, Vice Chair.

“Vacancy in the large block segment of the market greater than 800,000 sf continues to be low. Two primary factors contribute to this: (1) parcels large enough to accommodate large-scale buildings are scarce, and (2) larger entitlements can be more difficult to obtain,” continued Starnes. “Furthermore, DECA found a way to create a win-win for all parties involved to get the project fully entitled and now under construction. The addition of the retail component of the project, which DECA worked to get 100% pre-sold, also brings desired service retail to an underserved area.”

Perris Gateway comprises a single ±855,330-sf Class A industrial building located at the southeast corner of Ramona Expwy and Nevada Rd, just off the Interstate 215 on/off ramp. The building includes modern, sought-after features such as 40-foot clear height, 124 dock and 4 grade loading doors, separate 308 trailer stalls and ample auto parking, heavy power, on-site queuing lane, and future adjacent retail amenities. The location is also near a major freeway system, including Interstates 215, 10 and 15 and Highways 74, 60 and 91.

“This facility will also offer a strong throughput location in Riverside County, and near Los Angeles, with convenient access to the mega ports in the San Pedro Bay as well as numerous airports and transportation routes. The location is also convenient throughout the Southern California region and neighboring states, including critical markets like Las Vegas and Phoenix, as well as the U.S./Mexico border,” added Phil Lombardo, Executive Vice Chair.