David Carle 
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

Tabela de Conteúdo

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

Sobre o autor

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).