"With extensive use of oral histories, contemporary newspaper articles, and autobiographies, Carle explores the historic change in California, showing that imported water has shaped the pattern of population growth in the state. Water choices will remain the primary tool, he claims, for shaping California's future. The state's damaged environment and reduced quality of life, however, can be corrected if Californians will step out of this historic pattern and embrace limited water supplies as a fact of life in this naturally dry region."--BOOK JACKET.