Going to the Source of L.A.'s Water
Throughline
Deep Dive
Why did Los Angeles build the aqueduct from Owens Valley?
Los Angeles needed water to transform from a dusty frontier town into a metropolis. The aqueduct was built to transport water from Owens Valley, a place with abundant water, to L.A., which lacked sufficient water resources.
What were the consequences of building the L.A. aqueduct?
The aqueduct had significant consequences, including angering residents of Owens Valley, environmental impacts, and long-term changes to the valley's landscape. It also created a sense of resentment among locals who felt like they were being exploited for their water resources.
How long is the Los Angeles aqueduct?
The Los Angeles aqueduct is 233 miles long, transporting water from Owens Valley to Los Angeles.
What is the significance of the Owens Valley Indian Water Commission?
The Owens Valley Indian Water Commission works to raise awareness about the impact of the Los Angeles aqueduct on indigenous communities, particularly the Paiute and Shoshone people. They advocate for the recognition of water rights and environmental justice in the valley.
What are the ancient irrigation ditches in Owens Valley?
The ancient irrigation ditches were created by the Paiute and Shoshone people to manage water resources in the valley. These ditches used gravity to move water, irrigating the land and supporting flora and fauna, which was crucial for their survival and way of life.
How does the current landscape of Owens Valley compare to its past?
The current landscape of Owens Valley is much drier and more desert-like due to the removal of water by the Los Angeles aqueduct. In the past, the valley was irrigated by indigenous systems, which supported a more lush and vibrant ecosystem.
What is the significance of the Alabama Gates in the Owens Valley history?
The Alabama Gates were a site where residents of Owens Valley occupied and diverted the water supply of the Los Angeles aqueduct in the 1920s, protesting the removal of their water. This act highlighted the ongoing conflict between the needs of Los Angeles and the rights of the valley's residents.
What is the moral dilemma at the heart of the L.A. aqueduct story?
The moral dilemma revolves around the concept of utilitarianism—whether it is right to take resources from one place to benefit a larger population. This question is central to the conflict between Los Angeles and Owens Valley, and it reflects broader issues of resource allocation in a changing world.
- The L.A. aqueduct's construction was crucial to Los Angeles's growth from a small town to a large city.
- Common narratives focus on the benefits for Los Angeles, overlooking the impact on the Owens Valley.
- The aqueduct's impact is still felt today, showing how historic events continue to shape the present.