Beneficial Uses of Water
How is water beneficial to the state of California?
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and Reclamation operate large water supply projects that deliver Delta water for critical agricultural, municipal and industrial uses throughout California.
- Agriculture – California’s unique geography and temperate climate have enabled the state to become one of the most productive agricultural regions in the world. California produces more than 250 different crops and leads the nation in the production of 75 commodities. In order to maintain this level of production, agriculture uses roughly 30 million acre-feet* of water per year on 9.6 million acres of land.
- Urban – Good quality drinking water must be provided for urban areas. Water also is used in homes for activities such as laundry, washing dishes, showers, swimming pools and yard maintenance.
- Environmental – [Needs to be expanded] The 2000 CALFED Programmatic Record of Decision established an Environmental Water Account (EWA) in order to supplement and manage flows in Central Valley Project streams and protect endangered and threatened fish species, such as Chinook salmon and steelhead. Optimal flows are targeted through modified operations of dams and pumping plants and additional water is acquired through purchases from willing sellers and by capturing surplus water.
* An acre-foot of water is enough water to cover an acre of land one foot deep and supply approximately two families with water for a year
916-978-5104 (office) 916-978-5094 (fax) |
|
Last edited on: July 21, 2008
For assistance or additional information about this website, please contact Public Affairs
Bureau of Reclamation, Mid-Pacific Region
2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento CA 95825-1898
Main (916) 978-5100 | FAX (916) 978-5114 | TTY
(916) 978-5608
Reclamation
Officials' Telephone Numbers
