Central Valley Project

The Central Valley Project (CVP) is a large-scale water management system in California, designed to supply irrigation water and hydroelectric power to the Central Valley, a key agricultural region. Established in the 1930s, it includes a series of reservoirs, aqueducts, and dams that capture and distribute water from rivers, primarily the Sierra Nevada snowmelt. The CVP supports farming, provides drinking water to cities, and helps manage water resources in times of drought. It plays a vital role in California's economy and agriculture while also addressing environmental concerns related to water use and ecosystem health.