Publication May 20, 2014

Layperson’s Guide to the State Water Project
Updated 2013

The 24-page Layperson’s Guide to the State Water Project provides an overview of the California-funded and constructed State Water Project.

The State Water Project is best known for the 444-mile-long aqueduct that provides water from the Delta to San Joaquin Valley agriculture and southern California cities. The guide contains information about the project’s history and facilities.

The 2013 version has been updated to include information on the most-recent Delta planning efforts, including the BDCP. It also has an up-to-date chronology and information about specific SWP features.

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

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Western Water May 21, 2021 Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project MWD's Jeff Kightlinger Reflects On Building Big Things, Essential Partnerships and His Hopes For the Delta By Gary Pitzer

MWD’s Jeff Kightlinger Reflects On Building Big Things, Essential Partnerships and His Hopes For the Delta
WESTERN WATER Q&A: Veteran Water Boss, Retiring After 25 Years With SoCal Water Giant, Discusses ‘Permanent’ Drought, Conservation Gains & the Struggling Colorado River

When you oversee the largest supplier of treated water in the United States, you tend to think big.

Jeff Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California for the last 15 years, has focused on diversifying his agency’s water supply and building security through investment. That means looking beyond MWD’s borders to ensure the reliable delivery of water to two-thirds of California’s population.

Western Water November 16, 2018 California Water Map Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project Gary Pitzer

As He Steps Aside, Tim Quinn Talks About ‘Adversarialists,’ Collaboration and Hope For Solving the State’s Tough Water Issues
WESTERN WATER Q&A: Tim Quinn, retiring executive director of Association of California Water Agencies

In the universe of California water, Tim Quinn is a professor emeritus. Quinn has seen — and been a key player in — a lot of major California water issues since he began his water career 40 years ago as a young economist with the Rand Corporation, then later as deputy general manager with the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, and finally as executive director of the Association of California Water Agencies. In December, the 66-year-old will retire from ACWA.

Western Water November 16, 2017 Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project Land Subsidence Gary Pitzer

State Taking Steps to Manage Subsidence-Related Impacts to California Aqueduct
Department of Water Resources to spend $5 million for quick fixes, as it assesses longer-term repairs

For as long as agriculture has existed in the Central Valley, farmers have pumped water from the ground to sustain their livelihood and grow food consumed by much of the nation. This has caused the ground in certain places to sink, sometimes dramatically, eliminating valuable aquifer storage space that can never be restored.

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Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project

Aquapedia background February 11, 2014 California Water Map Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project

State Water Project

The State Water Project is an aquatic lifeline for California because of its vital role in bringing water to cities and farms. Without it, California would never have developed into the economic powerhouse it is.

The Project diverts water from the Feather River to the Central Valley, South Bay Area and Southern California. Its key feature is the 444-mile-long California Aqueduct seen along Interstate 5.

Aquapedia background February 11, 2014 Dams Layperson's Guide to the Central Valley Project Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project

San Luis Reservoir

The San Luis Reservoir is the nation’s largest off-stream reservoir, serving as a key water facility for both the State Water Project (SWP) and the federal Central Valley Project (CVP).

Aquapedia background February 11, 2014 Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project Dams

Oroville Dam

Oroville Dam is the tallest in the United States and impounds the largest reservoir in California’s State Water Project, which brings water to 27 million residents and 750,000 acres of farmland.

Completed in 1968, the 770-foot earthfill embankment impounds the northern Sierra Nevada’s Feather River, creating a reservoir that can hold 3.5 million acre-feet of water.

Aquapedia background February 3, 2014 Layperson's Guide to the Central Valley Project Layperson's Guide to the State Water Project Oroville Dam Shasta Dam Hoover Dam

Dams

Folsom Dam on the American River east of Sacramento

Dams have allowed Californians and others across the West to harness and control water dating back to pre-European settlement days when Native Americans had erected simple dams for catching salmon.

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Layperson’s Guide to the State Water Project Updated 2013

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Layperson’s Guide to the State Water Project
Updated 2013