Harvey O. Banks Pumping Plant, California

This pumping station marks the beginning of the 444-mile California Aqueduct, the central artery of the State Water Project, one of three major aqueduct systems in the state. Water is drawn out of the Sacramento River Delta through this plant, and begins its journey through the largest aqueduct system in the world, finally ending up in Los Angeles. There are many canals, reservoirs and pumping stations along the course of this aqueduct which travels down the western edge of the San Joaquin Valley, and supplies water to the agricultural communities of much of San Joaquin, and urban Southern California. The California Aqueduct is a major component in the State Water Project system that was initiated in the early 1950's and continues to be under construction today.