MT 6: CaLIFORNIA gEOLOGY Water Resources

LT 2: California Water Resources Main Sources of CA Water: Precipitation (rain, snow, humidity in atmosphere, sleet) Surface Water Ground Water

What about the ocean? Desalination: is a process that removes salt from water This doesn’t work in most places because it is really expensive Boats have no other option and often use desalination to provide fresh water for crew.

LT 2: California Water Resources Main Needs of CA Water: People Crops

Water Problems 1. The majority of California is desert/semi-desert 2. Rain naturally falls in the northern third of California but the need for water is in the south 2-thirds 3. Majority of the state does not get rain May-October when it is needed

Water Problems 4. 35% of rain becomes runoff into lakes and rivers, 65% of rain soaks into the ground or evaporates (we can only use the 35%) 5. Over 35 million people live in an area too dry to support them without getting additional water (like us!).

Water Solutions California aqueduct system was built Over 1300 dams and cannels move fresh water from areas where it rains to where people and crops need it

Good things Snowpack! Snow stays frozen at high elevation until hot months where it melts and provides water Colorado River aqueduct provides water help to So Cal.

California Water Projects Provides Water for crops Hydroelectricity Water for San Fran Water for So Cal

California Water Projects Why do we need to transport water? Most precipitation occurs in Northern California and in the mountains of CA. We move water through state water projects that use aqueducts, canals, and reservoirs.

California Water Projects Supply and Demand Supply: We move the water from northern California from where it rains many inches and from the mountains where it snows every winter. Demand: We move the water to southern California where there is a dense population (many people) and to central California for agriculture.

Economic Impact California can grow crops People live, work and have business in the dry parts of the state This provides jobs and income for Californians Water HELPS make us MONEY