The Central Valley Project: 1947

Abstract

program being undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation for completely planned use of, the water resources of the Central Valley of California (Figure 1). Unlike most valley projects, CVP is confined to one state, and that a state which ranks as one of the most prosperous in our country. Nevertheless, the project is of major significance because continuation of California's prosperity depends in large measure on wise use of water which drains into the Central Valley, especially that of Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers and their tributaries. The problems arise out of conflict of federal policies and private interests within ail already developed region. In spite of the relatively small area involved, the project is a complicated one. Just how complicated is best learned from examination of Figures 2, 3, and 4, which show plans of the Bureau of Reclamation for CVP. Like most work of the Bureau, this is a multiple-purpose project. Within the Central Valley--approximately 500 miles long and averaging 50 miles in width-exist most of the problems associated with water conservation; that is, wise use of water in irrigation, flood control, hydro-electric power, recreation, and domestic and industrial water supply. It is with all these that CVP is concerned.