In 1960, California voters approved financing for construction of
the initial features of the State Water Project (SWP).
The project includes some 22 dams and reservoirs, a Delta
pumping plant, a 444-mile-long aqueduct that carries water
from the Delta through the San Joaquin Valley to
Southern California.
The 1,440-mile-long Colorado
River passes through parts of seven states, several Indian
reservations and the Republic of Mexico.
California is entitled to 4.4 million acre-feet of water annually
from river.
Many cities rely on local water projects for all or a portion of
their supplies. These projects typically were built and are
operated by local public water districts, county water
departments, city water departments or other special districts.
Nearly 600 special purpose local agencies in California provide
water to their areas through local development projects and
imported supplies.
