California's Water - Essay Sample

Introduction

California is one of the regions with good water supply. The water links more than 30 million individuals, especially farmers and urban residence. This has made the region to be the most agriculture producer in the world. In which, about 2,300,000 hectares are under irrigation system (Carle, 2015). Development of good planning and management practices has helped the region to improve water safety. The region has rights which protect how people use water. These rights are documented in the Water Rights Act. Most water in the region depends on the ground, surface, rain, desalination, and reuse water. Rainfall and snow are the largest sources of water which give about 75 percent of total water (Sokolow, Godwin & Cole, 2016). Agriculture and urban population are the largest water consumers. The economy of the region mostly depends on water. Eighty percent of the water is directed to southern region. Good climatic conditions in the southern motivated a large number of individuals to migrate and start farming. The essay examines how California's infrastructures such as aqueduct, canal, and dams enhance water sustainability.

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California aqueducts are channel systems which are used to transport water, especially from mountain and valleys of Northern and Central to the Southern estate. Aqueducts were first started in the southwestern corner of Sacramento. The region is connected by the San Joaquin River Delta. Currently, California has three main branches of the aqueduct; Coastal, East, and West branches (Jones, 2018). These branches are installed with pumping plants which help to convey water to various areas. Aqueducts are highly used during the dry season to supply enough water for agricultural use.

In 1905, California built the first canal which was called the Venice Canal. In the 1940s this canal was characterized by poor conditions which lasted for about 40 years. In this period, there were fewer environment policies which could be used to improve the canal's standard. However, new policies were established to restore the current conditions of the canal. Improvement of these channels formed a good way that the government could use to supply enough water to its citizens. As a result, canals reduced heavy water completion due to high consumption rates, especially by farmers and urban residences.

A large supply of water during rainy season influenced the country to create more dam to facilitate water preservation. According to the data, the region has about eleven large reserves. Shasta is the largest reservoir with a volume of 5.615-kilometer cubic (Carle, 2015). The dams' plan helped the region to continue supplying water for farmers, especially in during dry region. Additionally, dams helped the region to produce hydroelectric. Electricity supply assisted the region in facilitating other activities which could help to improve the region.

Conclusion

In summary, water plays a vital role in the California economy. Farmers and urban residences use most of the water. Establishment of infrastructures has enhanced water sustainability. California aqueducts have helped the government to convey water in the region throughout the year. This action has helped farmers to continue with their agriculture production even dry season. Additionally, the establishment of canals also helped to increase water supply in various area in the south. Dams and reservoirs help the region to store water which enhances other activities. Additionally, water dams have helped the region to produce hydroelectric that facilitates other activities.

References

Carle, D. (2015). Introduction to water in California. Univ of California Press.

Jones, F. E. (2018). Evaporation of Water With Emphasis on Applications and Measurements: 0. CRC Press.

Sokolow, S., Godwin, H., & Cole, B. L. (2016). Impacts of urban water conservation strategies on energy, greenhouse gas emissions, and health: Southern California as a case study. American journal of public health, 106(5), 941-948.