Hetch Hetchy Reservoir

Located in Yosemite National Park, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir is a 117-billion-gallon water storage facility that supplies drinking water to 2.4 million San Francisco Bay Area residents and generates hydro-electric power through two downstream plants. Completed in 1938, the O'Shaughnessy Dam stands 312 feet above the stream-bed and spans 910 feet in a gentle arch, creating a majestic and functional structure that harnesses the power of gravity to generate energy.

Key Statistics:

  • 117 billion gallons of water storage capacity

  • 8 miles long and 306 feet deep

  • 85% of water comes from Sierra Nevada snowmelt

  • 15% of water comes from runoff in the Alameda and Peninsula watersheds

  • 160 miles of gravity-fed water supply to the San Francisco Bay Area

  • 2 hydro-electric power plants generating clean energy

This project explores the gravitational system that enables the reservoir to supply water to the Bay Area, 160 miles away, without the need for pumps or mechanical assistance. The system relies on the natural slope of the terrain, allowing the water to flow downhill through a series of tunnels and pipes, generating power and providing a sustainable source of energy.Marc Northstar's master plan for the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir showcases the incredible journey of water as it flows from the reservoir to San Francisco, harnessing the power of gravity to supply drinking water to 2.4 million Bay Area residents.

Through a detailed 2D map, Marc Northstar illustrates the water's path, using a combination of top-view and elevation drawings to bring the system to life. The maps are carefully aligned to scale, allowing for a clear and concise visualization of the water's movement.

To further enhance the visualization, Marc Northstar created an animation that demonstrates the flow of water from the reservoir to San Francisco. This animation provides a dynamic and engaging way to understand the complex system, highlighting the gravitational forces at play and the incredible feat of engineering that brings water to the Bay Area.

Key Features:

  • 2D map showcasing the water's path from the reservoir to San Francisco

  • Top-view and elevation drawings aligned to scale for clear visualization

  • Animation illustrating the flow of water and gravitational forces at play

  • Visualization of the water's 160-mile journey to the Bay Area

By creating this master plan, Marc Northstar provides a unique and captivating look at the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir system, highlighting the importance of gravity in supplying water to the Bay Area.