Laserfiche WebLink
California Water Today -�• <br /> RICHARD A.COOKE/CORBIS <br /> We are confronted by insurmountable opportunities. <br /> Walt Kelly,Pogo <br /> California's water system is large,complex,and interconnected.Most precipita- <br /> tion falls in the sparsely populated northern and mountainous regions of the <br /> state during the winter, whereas most human water demands occur during <br /> the late spring, summer, and early fall in the population and farming centers <br /> farther south and along the coast.Precipitation also varies greatly across years, <br /> making the state susceptible to large floods and prolonged droughts. These <br /> conditions have led to the development of vast infrastructure systems that store <br /> and convey water to demand centers and that protect residents from flooding. <br /> The successive eras of water management over California's history,in turn,have <br /> spawned a wide array of management institutions involving local, regional, <br /> state,and federal entities. <br /> This chapter reviews major aspects of California's current water system.We <br /> start with some basics on water availability:precipitation patterns,movement <br /> and storage of water in surface reservoirs and groundwater basins, and water <br /> quality characteristics.We then examine water uses,including an assessment of <br /> the volumes and values of flows for economic and environmental activities.We <br /> also review flood vulnerability and flood management infrastructure.Finally, <br /> we look at water management institutions responsible for supply, quality, and <br /> flood operations;funding arrangements;and scientific and technical activities <br /> that make the system work.At each stage,we highlight strengths and vulner- <br /> abilities of the current system and point to changes needed as California enters <br /> a new era of water management. <br /> Electrical line over the Los Angeles Aqueduct in the Owens Valley. <br /> 71 <br />