The collection, storage, treatment, transmission and distribution of water played a significant role in urbanization, population growth and commercial agriculture and land use. Today, storage and distribution systems enable semi-arid and arid regions to store water for later use during periods of high precipitation. Clean, potable water piped from afar led to the development of such large cities as Las Vegas, and the suburban areas around Chicago and Los Angeles. The development and distribution of large water delivery systems, in conjunction with the development of collection, removal and treatment systems, enabled people to move from large cities to suburban communities and helped well-dependant, rural communities to prosper. During the 20th century, water supply and distribution systems have led to an increase in life expectancy, reduction in infant mortality and morbidity, and improvements in environmental quality in developed countries. It is estimated that in the year 2000, 2.2 billion people in developing countries will die due to the lack of safe drinking water. The transfer of civil engineering knowledge to ensure safe water supplies through the collection, treatment and distribution of surface, ground and wastewater is imperative for the continued economic growth and development of nations in the 21st century.

The California Water Project: A Monument of the Millennium

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The California State Water Project was selected as much for its remarkable engineering aspects, as for the positive impact it has had on regional economic trade and development.

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Additional Information

http://www.dwr.water.ca.gov/dir-state_water_projectR2/default.html
Comprehensive site done by the California Department of Water Resources. Includes historical overview, links to DWR water facilities, visitor centers and recreation sites including maps, and a listing of state water contractors.

http://wwwoco.water.ca.gov/info/dwrsites.html
The Department of Water Resources Operations Control Office directs the overall water and power operations of the California State Water Project. You will also find a comprehensive list of links to related sites.

http://wwwswpao.water.ca.gov/
Approximately 20 million Californians depend on the State Water Project for at least part of their water needs. The State Water Project Analysis Office, or SWPAO, helps to ensure that they get that water. Find out how they do this!

ASCE does not endorse any of the above Web sites. They are presented here for informational purposes only.