What agency is responsible for constructing and managing water storage systems in the US?

The Bureau of Reclamation is the agency specifically tasked with constructing and managing water storage systems in the United States. Established in 1902, its primary mission is to oversee water resource management, including building and maintaining dams, reservoirs, and irrigation systems. The Bureau plays a crucial role in the West's water supply, focusing on the development and regulation of these resources to support agricultural, municipal, and industrial use.

In contrast, while the California State Water Resource Board deals with water quality and resource management at the state level, it does not directly construct water storage systems. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers also engages in water management and infrastructure projects but has a broader mandate that includes navigation, flood control, and environmental restoration. The Environmental Protection Agency primarily focuses on environmental protection and regulation, not on constructing or managing water storage systems. This delineation of responsibilities highlights the Bureau of Reclamation's unique role in the construction and management of water storage systems across the country.