Water and Power

Water and Power chronicles the contentious battle between Los Angeles and the Owens Valley over water rights in the early 20th century. The book examines the political maneuvering, land deals, and infrastructure projects that allowed Los Angeles to secure its water supply and grow into a major metropolis. Through extensive research and documentation, Kahrl reconstructs the actions of key figures like William Mulholland and Frederick Eaton, who orchestrated the water acquisition for Los Angeles. The narrative follows both the technical aspects of building the Los Angeles Aqueduct and the human impact on Owens Valley farmers and residents who lost their water source. This historical account captures the intersection of public policy, environmental resources, and urban development in California. The story remains relevant to ongoing debates about water rights, urban growth, and the balance between municipal needs and rural communities.

Readers cite the book's thorough research and detailed documentation of Los Angeles' water acquisition through the early 1900s. Multiple reviews note Kahrl's neutral presentation of both the water department leadership and Owens Valley residents during this period. Readers appreciated: - Clear explanations of complex water rights issues - Inclusion of original documents and photos - Focus on overlooked historical figures beyond William Mulholland Common criticisms: - Dense technical and legal passages - Limited coverage of environmental impacts - Lack of maps showing the aqueduct system Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (12 ratings) One reader called it "the definitive account of the LA water wars," while another noted it was "more balanced than Cadillac Desert on the same topic." A critical review stated "too much focus on bureaucratic infighting and not enough on ecological consequences."

Cadillac Desert by Marc Reisner The history of water rights, politics, and environmental impact in the American West reveals the parallel struggles and conflicts found in the Owens Valley saga.

Rivers of Empire by Donald Worster An examination of water management systems and their role in shaping social power structures in the western United States connects to the themes of control and dominance.

The Great Thirst by Norris Hundley Jr. The chronicle of California's water development presents the political and social dimensions of water management that echo the Los Angeles-Owens Valley conflict.

Water to the Angels by Les Standiford The story of William Mulholland and the Los Angeles aqueduct provides another perspective on the events and personalities chronicled in Water and Power.

Battling the Inland Sea by Robert Kelley The account of Sacramento Valley's transformation through flood control and irrigation projects demonstrates similar themes of environmental modification and political power.

🌊 William Kahrl's "Water and Power" (1982) is considered the definitive account of Los Angeles' controversial Owens Valley water project, which inspired the film "Chinatown." 💼 The author spent five years researching the book while working as a journalist for the Sacramento Bee newspaper, gaining unprecedented access to private archives and documents. 🏜️ The Owens Valley water grab resulted in California's first rural-urban water conflict and turned a once-fertile agricultural valley into a virtual desert. 🎯 Despite common belief, Kahrl's research revealed that Los Angeles didn't secretly buy land through dummy buyers - most purchases were made openly, though the city's ultimate purpose wasn't always disclosed. 📚 The book won the California Book Award Silver Medal and remains one of the most cited sources in discussions of Western water rights and California water history.