Central Valley Project

Central Valley Project

The Central Valley Project (CVP) was undertaken by the Bureau of Reclamation in 1935 as a long-term plan to use water in California's Central Valley. The goals of the CVP were flood control, improved transportation of water, and the development of water supplies for industrial, municipal, and agricultural use.

The project has been implemented through the construction of dams and canals.

Because of dredging and dam building, the project has taken a toll on the environment. Much of the wildlife and riparian habitat in the Bay-Delta area has been destroyed. Many salmon (especially Chinook Salmon) have been affected because they cannot swim upstream to their spawning place due to dams and artificial water diversions.

Many CVP water users are represented by the Central Valley Project Water Association (CVPWA).

External Links

Central Valley Project Operations Office

Central Valley Project - summary

CVP - History

CVP - Effects on environment