New Bill Could Have San Francisco Paying A LOT More For the Water in Hetch Hetchy

A new bill introduced by Representative Tom McClintock aims to make San Francisco pay significantly more for its use of water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir, located in Yosemite National Park.

The Yosemite National Park Equal Access and Fairness Act proposes increasing San Francisco’s annual rent for the reservoir from the current $30,000 to $2 million. The additional revenue would be used for wildfire mitigation in Yosemite and other California national parks.

The Hetch Hetchy Reservoir has long been a critical water source for San Francisco. Constructed in the early 20th century following the controversial Raker Act of 1913, the reservoir was built by damming the Tuolumne River in Yosemite’s Hetch Hetchy Valley, an area once celebrated for its natural beauty. The project submerged the valley, transforming it into a key water and power source for the Bay Area.

Today, Hetch Hetchy supplies pristine drinking water to 2.7 million residents and generates hydroelectric power, fueling San Francisco’s infrastructure and services.

McClintock’s bill argues that San Francisco’s payments for access to this federally protected resource have not kept pace with modern costs. If passed, the increased rent would be adjusted annually for inflation. Additionally, the bill would require the National Park Service to enhance public recreation in the Hetch Hetchy and Lake Eleanor Basin areas while preserving their scenic and historical significance.

This proposal reignites debates over the management of Hetch Hetchy, with some advocating for greater equity in the use of public resources and others concerned about potential financial impacts on the Bay Area.