The Placer County Water Agency (PCWA) plays a vital role in securing our local water supply and producing clean, renewable hydroelectric energy through its Middle Fork Project. The system includes reservoirs, dams, tunnels, and powerhouses that support reliable water storage for Placer County, provide revenue to fund local water and power initiatives, and ensure environmental stewardship by balancing energy production with ecosystem preservation, recreation, and regional economic stability.
Value of the Middle Fork Project
Funding Authority for Power Projects
Hydropower: Powering Placer County's Water System
The Middle Fork Project (MFP) is a locally owned water supply project built to secure Placer County's future. While it also generates clean, renewable energy, the project's original and primary purpose is water storage and reliability for Placer County communities, agriculture, and businesses.
Approved by voters and constructed in the 1960s with local funding without state or federal investment, the Middle Fork Project reflects a long-term vision to control local water resources and reduce reliance on imported supplies.
The project includes two major reservoirs, French Meadows and Hell Hole, five hydroelectric power plants, and 24 miles of tunnels. Together, these facilities store up to 340,000 acre-feet of water, providing dependable year-round supply at a competitive cost, while also supporting recreation, environmental stewardship, and regional economic stability.
Middle Fork American River Hydroelectric Project
