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Water Education Foundation
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Publication March 24, 2026 California Water Map

Layperson’s Guide to California Water
Updated 2026

The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to California Water provides an excellent overview of the history of water development and use in California. It includes the latest information on the state’s changing hydrology, recent water conservation legislation and the state’s efforts to stretch the available water supplies.

The guide includes an updated chronology of California water history and sections on the state, federal and Colorado River delivery systems; Delta issues; water rights; environmental issues; water quality; water access and affordability; and options for stretching the water supply.

Complementing the guide is the California Water Map.

Order in bulk (25 or more copies of the same guide) for a reduced fee. Contact the Foundation, 916-444-6240, for details.

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Referring Pages

Aquapedia background January 30, 2014 California Water Map Layperson's Guide to California Water

California Water Plan

Every five years the California Department of Water Resources updates its strategic plan for managing the state’s water resources, as required by state law.

The California Water Plan, or Bulletin 160, projects the status and trends of the state’s water supplies and demands under a range of future scenarios.

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Aquapedia background January 30, 2014 California Water Map Layperson's Guide to California Water Water & the Shaping of California

California Water Overview

Aerial view of the Sacramento-San Joaquin DeltaCalifornia will always be inextricably linked to its water resources. Water continues to shape the state’s development and no resource is as vital to California’s urban centers, farms, industry, recreation, scenic beauty and environmental preservation.

But California’s relationship to water is also one that continues to generate controversy.

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Publication March 24, 2026 California Water Map
Maps & Posters April 17, 2014 California Water Bundle

California Water Map
Updated December 2016

A new look for our most popular product! And it’s the perfect gift for the water wonk in your life.

Our 24×36-inch California Water Map is widely known for being the definitive poster that shows the integral role water plays in the state. On this updated version, it is easier to see California’s natural waterways and man-made reservoirs and aqueducts – including federally, state and locally funded projects – the wild and scenic rivers system, and natural lakes. The map features beautiful photos of California’s natural environment, rivers, water projects, wildlife, and urban and agricultural uses and the text focuses on key issues: water supply, water use, water projects, the Delta, wild and scenic rivers and the Colorado River.

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This item appears in:
  • Topic: Acre Foot
  • Topic: Anadromous Fish Restoration
  • Topic: Bay Delta
  • Topic: California Aqueduct
  • Topic: Drinking Water
  • Layperson's Guides
  • Topic: Central Valley
  • Topic: Central Valley Project
  • Topic: Colorado River
  • Topic List: Background Information
  • Topic: Drought
  • Topic: Water History
  • Topic: Water Rights
  • Topic: Energy and Water
  • Topic: Sacramento San Joaquin Delta
  • Topic: Floods
  • Topic: Mono Lake
  • Topic: Groundwater
  • Topic: Public Trust Doctrine
  • Topic: Water Quality
  • Topic: Salmon
  • Topic List: Water Issues
  • Topic: Oroville Dam
  • Topic: Surface Water
  • Topic List: Water Supply and Management
  • Topic: Shasta Dam
  • Topic: State Water Project
  • Topic: Water Supply
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