Dams are primarily used for water supply. The Central Valley produces and incredible proportion of the nations fruits, vegetable, and nuts. Irrigation is required to grow these resources. Dams for artificial lakes that provide additional storage that may be released during times of greatest need. Power generation is a side-benefit, but water supply for farms (and cities, although the amount of water consumed by farms in the central valley is much greater) is key.
we get our water from it.
The Hetch Hetchy Aqueduct is a major water supply system in California that transports water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in the Sierra Nevada mountains to San Francisco and surrounding areas. Completed in the early 20th century, the aqueduct is crucial for providing drinking water and hydroelectric power to the region. It was built following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, which highlighted the need for a reliable water source. The project has been controversial due to its environmental impact, particularly concerning the flooding of the Hetch Hetchy Valley.
One example of a debate rebuttal for the Hetch Hetchy Valley dam proposal is the argument that the environmental impact of flooding the valley outweighs the benefits of water supply. Critics emphasize that the valley's unique ecosystem, including rare plant and animal species, would be irreparably harmed, undermining the very natural beauty and biodiversity that attract tourism and contribute to California's economy. Furthermore, advancements in water conservation and alternative water supply methods could provide sustainable solutions without sacrificing natural landscapes.
Ted Wurm has written: 'Hetch Hetchy and its dam railroad' -- subject(s): Hetch Hetchy Railroad, Water-supply, Water-supply engineering 'The silver short line' -- subject(s): History, Virginia and Truckee Railroad
The damming of Hetch Hetchy was the one time in American history when a single municipality (San Francisco) was allowed to develop a national park (Yosemite) for their own purposes to the exclusion of all Americans. It is often described as the "birth of the modern conservation movement" and is far more significant than the previous answer to this question - a mere philosophical disagreement between wilderness "preservationists" and more moderate "conservationists."
Warren D. Hanson has written: 'San Francisco water and power' -- subject(s): Hetch Hetchy Railroad, Hetch Hetchy Water and Power System, History, Power resources, Public utilities, San Francisco (Calif.)., San Francisco (Calif.). Water Dept, Water-supply, Water-supply engineering
John Muir tried, unsuccessfully, to keep the Hetch Hetchy area from becoming dammed. The water from the dam is sent to many cities in the Bay Area, like San Francisco.
California's Hetch Hechty Valley was dammed to supply water to San Francisco
He pushed the Hetch Hetchy dam project to provide water supply for the people of San Francisco.Damming Hatch Hatchy destroyed Hatch Hatchy valley which was a part of Yosemite National Park and was supposed to remain untouched for ever.
As of my last update, the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir typically holds around 117,000 acre-feet of water, though the actual volume can fluctuate based on seasonal rainfall and water management practices. For the most accurate and current figures, it's best to consult the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission or other official sources.
Natural resources provided by the land in the park include water and fish. Much of the water supply to the San Francisco Bay Area comes from Yosemite's Hetch Hetchy.
A large amount of the park, 95 percent, is designated as a wilderness area. Most visitors stay in the valley, but some visit the Mariposa Groves and Tioga Road area of the park. Even fewer visit Hetch Hetchy and a small amount of brave souls venture into the wilderness far north of Tioga.