page_title: History of California 1900–present
section_title: Water projects
hierarchical_section_title: History of California 1900–present / Water projects
caption_attribution_description: English: Map of California's interconnected water systems. Intended to replace File:California_water_system.jpg. Made using data from USGS and California Department of Water Resources. Topography from USGS.
context_page_description: After 1900, California continued to grow rapidly and soon became an agricultural and industrial power. The economy was widely based on specialty agriculture, oil, tourism, shipping, film, and after 1940 advanced technology such as aerospace and electronics industries – along with a significant military presence. The films and stars of Hollywood helped make the state the "center" of worldwide attention. California became an American cultural phenomenon; the idea of the "California Dream" as a portion of the larger American Dream of finding a better life drew 35 million new residents from the start to the end of the 20th century. Silicon Valley became the world's center for computer innovation.
context_section_description: The only way California can support its extensive population and agriculture is to store water in numerous reservoirs and use pipes, tunnels, pumps and canals to distribute it where it is needed when it is needed. Beginning before 1900, California has built extensive water projects costing many billions of dollars to store and move water where it is needed. California water comes primarily from snowfall in the Sierra Nevada in the northern part of the state during the relatively short winter from about October to March. The rest of the year typically has very little rainfall or snowfall. California weather is also prone to extended droughts that can last several years. During an average rainfall year, about 14% of the power used in California is generated by hydroelectricity.
caption: Map of water storage and delivery facilities as well as major rivers and cities in the state of California
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