WATER

When it comes to water, California is a land of contrasts. After years of drought, heavy rains may produce violent floods. Summers are usually dry, winters usually rainy. Most of California's rain falls on the northern third of the state, but farms and cities in the other two thirds of the state use most of the water. In California, there always seems to be too much water, or not enough. This issue introduces readers to the geography, science, history, and politics of water in California. We explore the vast system of creeks, streams, and rivers that is the Sacramento River watershed. A hydrologist gives us the inside scoop on groundwater, including hot tips on hot springs and geysers. We tell the fascinating story of how one individual, William Mulholland, developed a plan that brought water across the desert to Los Angeles and made it the thriving metropolis it is today -- but caused another part of the state to watch its agriculture wither and die as a result. We also profile some of California's most beautiful and unusual lakes. In this issue's activities, readers keep a log of how much water they use in one day and place native species in a water ecosystem puzzle.

Paperback  32 pgs.  Full Color
Suggested for ages: 9-14
Product Code: CCR9809