Sacramento, California (July 29, 2010) — The California Museum is proud to present in partnership with the Department of Water Resources Extreme Engineering: The California State Water Project Past, Present and Future at The California Museum through July 17, 2011.

This hands-on exhibit explores the complexities of water in California. Visitors will discover one of the world’s largest manmade water systems and the people behind its creation. They will also be challenged to actively consider the choices facing policy makers today. A big-screen flyover will take them from the nation’s tallest dam to its longest aqueduct, while artifacts and interviews reveal how the State Water Project – celebrating its 50th birthday this year – changed the way we live in the Golden State.

Created by the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the Extreme Engineering water exhibit serves as a statewide public education program designed to educate, enlighten and encourage Californians to make water conservation a daily habit and to understand the importance of the State Water Project.

No resource is as vital to California’s urban centers, agriculture, industry, recreation, scenic beauty, and environmental preservation as its “liquid gold.”

The exhibit uses interactives, graphic displays and movies to introduce the nation’s largest state-owned water system and its tremendous success not only in providing water to thirsty cities and farms, but also in managing floods, creating clean hydro-electric energy, and offering recreational opportunities. At the same time, the exhibit examines some of the challenges facing the system today as population growth, increased environmental needs, and climate change are pushing the limits of its capacity.

“Throughout history, water – one of California’s most precious resources – has played a significant role. We are honored that DWR chose to partner with us on this important exhibit,” said The California Museum’s Executive Director, Claudia French.

“The Department of Water Resources is excited about its partnership with The California Museum. Together we celebrate the exhibit and the 50th Anniversary of the State Water Project, a vital operation providing water supplies for 25 million Californians and 755,000 acres of irrigated farmland,” said DWR Director Mark Cowin.
For more information visit www.californiamuseum.org/exhibits/upcoming.

About the State Water Project

The California State Water Project is a water storage and delivery system of reservoirs, aqueducts, power plants and pumping plants. Its main purpose is to store water and distribute it to 29 urban and agricultural water suppliers in Northern California, the San Francisco Bay Area, the San Joaquin Valley, the Central Coast, and Southern California. Of the contracted water supply, 70 percent goes to urban users and 30 percent goes to agricultural users. The Project makes deliveries to two-thirds of California’s population. It is maintained and operated by the California

Department of Water Resources.

About the Department of Water Resources
The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs. Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR’s water activities.

About The California Museum

The California Museum – home of the California Hall of Fame and California Legacy Trails – engages, educates and enlightens people about California’s rich history and its unique contribution to the world through ideas, innovation, art and culture. Through captivating, interactive and innovative experiences, the Museum seeks to inspire men, women and children to dream the California dream and dare to make their mark on history. Open Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. Noon-5 p.m.; Adults $8.50, Students/Seniors (with valid I.D.) $7, Children 6-13 $6.00; Children 5 and younger free. www.CaliforniaMuseum.org.