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City of Los Angeles Water Pipe and Ditch to Transport Water. Owens Valley, California

 
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Title
City of Los Angeles Water Pipe and Ditch to Transport Water. Owens Valley, California
Creator
Black, J. D. (John David), 1893-1960
Date
1930
Description
Water flowing from pipe into ditch to carry water to Los Angeles Aqueduct. Fence to restrict access to ditch. Title supplied by cataloger.
Names
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power; Mulholland, William, 1855-1935
Format Extent
1 photograph : b&w ; 6 x 11 cm
Subject
Water rights--California--Owens Valley; Water rights--California--Los Angeles; Land use, Rural--California--History; Wells--California--Owens Valley; Groundwater--California--Owens Valley; Canals--California--Owens Valley; Ditches; Fences; Water pipes
Note
To meet the need for water of its growing population, the City of Los Angeles began buying land and corresponding water rights in the Owens Valley in 1905. In 1913, the great Los Angeles Aqueduct was completed to bring Owens Valley water to the city. Perhaps the pivotal figure in the Owens Valley Water Controversy, William Mulholland, chief engineer and manager of the City of Los Angeles' Bureau of Water Works and Supply, was responsible for the 233 mile aqueduct, an engineering marvel still in use today. Water pumped from wells was carried by ditches to the aqueduct. The loss of water was a major grievance for Owens Valley ranchers and farmers, for it hampered use of water for agriculture by locals. A resident of Big Pine and leader of resistance against Los Angeles, J. D. Black (1893-1960), the probable photographer of this scene, used photographs such as these to document the water management practices of the City of Los Angeles in the Owens Valley.
Collection
J. D. Black Papers, CSLA-15, Series 3: Photographs, Box 17, Sleeve 31
Type
Language
eng
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