Why Water Is So Important in California — Reading Comprehension

California’s growth in the late 1800s and early 1900s depended on water. Farms and cities could not get bigger without enough water. Many people moved to California to find work and build new lives. But they faced a big problem. Most of California was dry. There was not enough rain for all the people and crops.

Farmers needed water to grow food. They planted oranges, grapes, and many other crops. Their fields dried up in the hot sun. If the crops died, the farmers lost money. City leaders and farmers knew they needed a solution. They worked together to find ways to bring water from other places.

One answer was building aqueducts. Aqueducts are large channels or pipes that carry water over long distances. Building them took many years and hard work. In 1913, Los Angeles finished its first aqueduct. It brought water from the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the city. This made it possible for Los Angeles to grow into a huge city.

Another answer was irrigation. Irrigation means using special tools and ditches to bring water to dry land. In the Central Valley, farmers dug canals and built dams. These projects were expensive, but they helped turn dry fields into rich farmland. Soon, California became one of the top farming states in the country.

The government also helped. Leaders passed new laws to share water fairly. They made rules about how much water each person or farm could use. This was important because everyone needed water. One leader said, “Whoever brings the water brings life to California.”

With more water, factories and towns also grew. People built railroads, roads, and homes. Water made it possible for more people to move to California. It helped turn small towns into busy cities.

Today, California still depends on water from far away. People work together to save and share water, just like during the Progressive Era. The story of water in California is a story of teamwork and problem-solving.

Interesting Fact: In 1913, thousands of people watched as the first water from the Los Angeles Aqueduct rushed into the city. They cheered and called it a “miracle.”

What did California need to grow?

What did farmers plant in California?

When was the first Los Angeles aqueduct finished?

Why did farmers use irrigation?

How did aqueducts help cities?

What did leaders do to share water?

California still depends on water from far away.

What is an aqueduct?