Los Angeles: Desert City with a River (Mostly Dry)

Los Angeles sits in a semi-arid Mediterranean climate zone—technically not a true desert but close. The Los Angeles River runs 80 km (51 mi) through the city, but is largely channelized in concrete and often dry except after rains or treated wastewater releases.

LA's water is imported via massive aqueducts:

• Los Angeles Aqueduct (Owens Valley)
• Colorado River Aqueduct
• State Water Project (Northern California)

Local groundwater and recycling supplement supply. The river's revitalization is a major ongoing urban planning effort.