California water wars
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The California water wars were a series of political conflicts between the city of Los Angeles and farmers and ranchers in the Owens Valley of Eastern California over water rights.
The Los Angeles Aqueduct in the Owens Valley
Joseph Reddeford Walker explored the Owens Valley
Frederick Eaton
William Mulholland with a surveyor's transit, ca.1908–1913
Owens Lake
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Owens Lake is a dry lake in the Owens Valley on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in Inyo County, California. It is about 5 miles south of Lone Pine. Unlike most dry lakes in the Basin and Range P
California water wars
…agriculture became difficult. This led to the farmers trying to destroy the aqueduct in 1924. Los Angeles prevailed and kept the water flowing. By 1926, Owens Lake at the bottom of Owens Valley was completely dry due to water diversion. The water needs of Los Angeles kept growing. In 1941, Los Angeles diverted…
View of partially-filled Owens Lake (top-right) from Whitney Portal
Image of the Owens Valley from the International Space Station – oriented top = true west
Owens Lake from the Horseshoe Meadows Road
Alkali dust storm at Owens Lake