How does water get to Southern California? Have you ever thought about where the water from your tap starts out? Tens of millions of people rely on this water delivery daily. It takes an incredible effort to safely deliver water from sources hundreds of miles away to Southern California and it never stops!
Southern California has two main supplies of imported water. Even though it comes from within California, it is called “imported” since it is delivered from either Northern California or the California-Arizona border. Water districts, agencies and cities typically have several water sources, but many in the WEWAC service area buy imported water. Here are a few quick facts about the major water projects and aqueducts that cross all of California.
State Water Project (North to South)
• The main reservoir is Lake Oroville
• Delivers water to approximately 25 million people in California from the Bay area to San Diego
• Has about 700 miles of canals and pipelines
• Has 34 water storage facilities and 5 hydroelectric plants
Central Valley Water Project (North to South)
• The main reservoir is Lake Shasta
• Delivers water throughout the Central Valley
• It is used for flood protection, but it also supplies water for farms, businesses and homes
• Has 20 dams to provide flood protection and store water
Colorado River Aqueduct (East to West)
• Starts at Lake Havasu
• The aqueduct is about 242 miles long
• Water in the aqueduct is divided among seven states, but California receives the majority of it
• Can deliver 1 billion gallons of water per day
Los Angeles Aqueduct (North to South)
• Has been delivering water to Los Angeles since 1913
• The aqueduct has about 280 miles of pipeline
• Uses gravity to move the water in the canal
• William Mulholland was a major influence on the project
• In 1905, the Board of Water Commissioners approved 23 million dollars for the project which is more than 500 million in today’s dollars
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