Introduction to Water in California

"We can only hope that, someday, such a guide is available for every state in the West." (High Country News). "This book provides a valuable overview of the problems facing California, but it has implications for the rest of the country. Highly recommended." (Choice). "It's a comprehensive look at a very complicated subject and a fascinating journey about water." (Mammoth Times). "The type of book you would hope to see in every welcome basket for every lawmaker coming to Sacramento for the first time. Anyone living in or interested in California should reach such a book." (Journal Of The American Water Resources Association). 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 snow pack 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: it includes additional maps, figures, and photos; it offers expanded coverage of potential impacts to precipitation, snow pack, and water supply from climate change; it features updated information about the struggle for water management and potential solutions; it includes new content about sustainable groundwater use and regulation, desalination, water recycling, storm water capture, and current proposals for water storage and diversion; and, includes additional table summarizing water sources for 360 California cities and towns.