the existing swp facilities are collectively known as stage i. stage ii, which includes such works as the peripheral canal and sites reservoir, was to have been built beginning in the late 1970s and 1980s – but due to concerted opposition from northern californians, environmentalist groups and some economic interests, as well as the state's increasing debt, attempts to begin construction have all met with failure. parties currently receiving swp water are also opposed to its expansion, because water rates could be raised up to 300 percent to help pay for the cost. as a result, swp capacity falls short by an average of each year; contractors only occasionally receive their full shares of water.