FEATURE
All the water emerging from Mt Shasta’s springs is captured in Shasta Reservoir, the state’s largest. Likewise, water from the Sierra is captured in reservoirs up and down its flanks. This source water then enters a system of reservoirs, canals, pumps and pipes that is one of the most extensive water delivery systems in the world.
There is no simple way to tell the story of this elaborate system. But, by way of example, we highlight four important delivery projects that share one important attribute – they deliver water hundreds of miles from Mt. Shasta springs area and the Sierra to where the majority of Californians live in Southern California and the Bay Area.
These are some of the most important, but certainly not the only, water delivery systems for California’s urban water supply. These projects collect water from rivers flowing from the Sierra and the greater Mt. Shasta springs area. This water travels hundreds of miles from the source to the end user and, because of that, there is often a disconnect, a lack of awareness, and often a disinterest in protecting these areas vital to all Californians.
California’s climate is changing and we must better understand where our water comes from. CalTrout is working to promote source water areas and raise awareness about their importance to drinking water supplies, water for agriculture and downstream river health. Our mantra – know the source, protect the source, restore the source. California’s water security depends on it.
From the source
to you