Human Sperit

Social and Contemporary Issues: California Water System

Geography: The Central Valley Basin in California encompasses the watersheds formed by the Sacramento River, the San Joaquin River, and the Tulare Lake Basin. The Cascade Range, Sierra Nevada Mountains, and Coastal Range surround the basin, except for a small gap in the Carquinez Straits. The river systems join to reach San Francisco Bay, where they empty into the Pacific Ocean.
Purpose: This federal water project is designed to prevent water shortages and floods in the Central Valley. However, additional benefits include better Sacramento River navigation, water for domestic and industrial uses, generating electric power, conserving fish and wildlife, creating opportunities for recreation, and enhancing water quality.
Areas Served: Besides farms, houses, and industrial centers in the Central Valley, the San Francisco area also benefits, as well as Californian wetlands. Overall, the project provides water for farms, houses, factories, and the environment, while producing electric power and guaranteeing flood protection.
Facts:
- Has 20 dams and reservoirs, 11 powerplants, and 500 miles of major canals, plus conduits, tunnels, and related facilities
- Each year, sends 7 million acre-feet of water for agricultural, urban, and wildlife use
- Generates 5.6 billion kilowatt hours of electricity per year for about 2 million people
- Set aside 800,000 acre-feet annually to fish and wildlife and their habitat with 410,00 acre-feet for State and Federal wildlife refuges and wetlands