Water Use
Most Sierra Water Used for the Environment
Why is it important?
The Sierra Nevada supplies about 60 percent of usable fresh water in California. While local water availability in the Sierra Nevada is critical to local agriculture, environment, recreation, and residents, most of this supply is utilized downstream or exported to other water basins.
How are we doing?
Most Sierra Nevada regional water is used for agriculture, and most water used for agriculture is exported to the Central Valley. About 13 million acre-feet per year (34 percent of usable freshwater) is used for environmental preservation and enhancement, including in-stream flows for aquatic and riparian health and diversion to wetlands. Within the Sierra Nevada, the environment through evaporation and transpiration consumes most water by trees and other plants.
Nearly all of the water originating in the San Joaquin River Basin and the Tulare and Kern rivers are exported to the Central Valley for use. About 21 percent of Sierra Nevada water in the Sacramento River Basin is used in the Sierra Nevada, mostly by the environment. More than 30 percent of Owens River water is used in the Sierra Nevada, mostly for agriculture, and the Los Angeles Aqueduct exports most of the remainder. Nearly all Sierra Nevada water in the Truckee and Walker rivers is used for agriculture and not exported. Although in-stream flows for environmental purposes are likely used again downstream in Nevada.
