|
|
Most
Californians are familiar with the State Water Project
(or the California Aqueduct). This surface
water source begins in Northern California with
water flowing in from the Sacramento River delta and
is pumped South to serve the urban and agricultural
centers of Southern California. The District is entitled
to take 21,300 acre feet, or 5.6 billion gallons,
of water each year from the aqueduct into Palmdale
Lake where it is stored for eventual use. This water
is then treated at the District's water treatment
plant for distribution to the public. |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
Another
source of surface
water is supplied by the reservoir created by
Littlerock Dam. Littlerock Dam was originally built
in 1922 and was recently renovated to increase the
storage capacity of the reservoir to 3,500 acre feet,
or 1.1 billion gallons, of water. Littlerock Dam reservoir
is fed by natural run-off from snow packs in the local
mountains and from rainfall. The water is then transferred
from Littlerock reservoir to Palmdale Lake. After
entering Palmdale Lake, this water is treated at the
District's water treatment plant for distribution. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
A third
source of water for the District's customers is through
the District's water wells pumping ground
water. A well is drilled, a pump installed, and
then the water is pumped from as deep as 550 feet
from the earth's natural underground aquifer. This
water is then treated with chlorine and placed into
the District's distribution system. Well water makes
up approximately 40% of the District's annual production.
In drought conditions well water production may increase
up to 50-60% to offset the lack of available surface
water. |
|
|
|
|
