1. Local Precipitation: California receives precipitation in the form of rainfall and snowfall. The state experiences different precipitation patterns, with the northern and mountainous regions receiving more precipitation compared to the drier southern regions. However, due to the variability of California's climate and the impacts of drought, local precipitation alone is often insufficient to meet the water demands of the state's growing population and economy.
2. State Water Project (SWP): The SWP is a massive and complex water storage and delivery system that provides water to various regions of California. It consists of a series of reservoirs, aqueducts, pumping plants, and canals. The SWP captures water from the Sacramento-San Joaquin River system and other northern California water sources and transports it to agricultural areas in the Central Valley, as well as to coastal cities and communities in Southern California.
3. Colorado River: California also receives water from the Colorado River. The Colorado River Basin spans seven western states and provides water to millions of people, including those in California. California has water rights to a portion of the river's flow, which is allocated to agricultural and municipal users. The Colorado River is a vital source of water for the state, especially in dry years.
