The unit designated as the Tehama-Colusa Canal consists of a conduit or canal, equipped with the necessary dams, pumping plants, groundwater recharge facilities, and other related works extending from the Sacramento River, at or near Red Bluff, southerly through the Counties of Tehama, Glenn, Colusa, Yolo, Solano, and Napa, and serving those counties.

The Tehama-Colusa Canal shall have the capacity that the department, in cooperation with local public agencies in the service area, determines to be necessary to provide an adequate supply of water for industrial, agricultural, domestic, waterfowl refuge, wildlife, fisheries, and other beneficial uses in the area the canal serves.

The water facilities authorized by Sections 11240 and 11241 may be constructed, owned, and operated by one or more local agencies, the department, or a joint powers authority created by agreement between those entities. Any joint powers authority may additionally include the federal Bureau of Reclamation.