Introduction to Water in California

This thoroughly engaging, concise book tells the story of California's most precious resource, tracing the journey of water in the state from the atmosphere to the snowpack to our faucets and foods. Along the way, we learn much about California itself as the book describes its rivers, lakes, wetlands, dams, and aqueducts and discusses the role of water in agriculture, the environment, and politics. Essential reading in a state facing the future with an overextended water supply, this fascinating book shows that, for all Californians, every drop counts.

New to this updated edition:

* Additional maps, figures, and photos

* Expanded coverage of potential impacts to precipitation, snowpack, and water supply from climate change

* Updated information about the struggle for water management and potential solutions

* New content about sustainable groundwater use and regulation, desalination, water recycling, stormwater capture, and current proposals for water storage and diversion

*Additional table summarizing water sources for 360 California cities and towns

David Carle is a former park ranger and the author of California Natural History Guides about water, fire, air, and soil (UC Press), as well as other books in water history and management, including Drowning the Dream: California’s Water Choices at the Millennium and Water and the California Dream. His most recent UC Press book is Traveling the 38th Parallel: A Water Line around the World (2013).

Acknowledgments
Introduction—Water Web: Connected Californians

Chapter 1. Tapping into a Planetary Cycle
A Great Water Wheel
The Vital Molecule
“Normal” Weather: Anything but “Average”

Chapter 2. California Water Landscape
Pristine Waterscape
Groundwater
Hydrologic Regions

Chapter 3. The Distribution System
Expanding Watersheds
The State Water Project
The Central Valley Project
Colorado River Delivery Systems
The Los Angeles Aqueduct
The Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct
The Mokelumne Aqueduct
The North Bay

Chapter 4. Challenges to California Water Management
Climate Change and the Water Cycle
Extinction Is Forever
A Thirsty Garden
Asking Too Much of the Colorado River and the Salton Sea
Out of Sight, Out of Control
Can You Drink the Water?
The Problem Is Us

Chapter 5. Meeting the Challenges: California’s Water Future
California Water Law and the Public Trust
The Delta, a Tunnel Vision, and a Water Bond
Recycle and Reuse: Localizing Water
Sustainable Groundwater
The Debate over Dams
Transfers: Water as a Commodity
Clean Water
Ecosystem Restoration
Lemonade from Lemons: Is Desalination Viable?
Will There Be Enough Water?

Acronyms and Abbreviations
Historical Timeline
Agencies and Organizations
References
Photo Credits
Index
Author Biography