AZ vs. CA:09 California Exhibits, Vol. IX; Nos. 400-457

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__2__ The coastal belt of southern California includes a strip of land from 20 to 60 miles in width, bordering on the Pacific Ocean from Los Angeles to the Mexican boundary, a distance of about 150 miles. It includes the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange, and San Diego, south and west of the high mountains. This coastal belt has a population of more than 2,000,000. The present population of Los Angeles County is something over 1,500,000, of which more than 1,000,000 are within the limits of the city of Los Angeles. The four counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside, and Orange, from the standpoint of ultimate water supply are a unit. San Diego County is somewhat detached from the others and may present a unit of its own. The water supply of the coastal belt of southern California is affected by cycles of wet and dry periods, periods of 10 to 12 years, in which the average rainfall and stream flow are below normal, followed by periods of similar duration, in which they rise above normal. Owing to increase of population, even average water conditions will leave a shortage of supply in a few years. To meet this situation, the cities of that region have been investigating possible sources of additional water supply. These investigations have shown that about 1,500 second-feet of water for domestic purposes will be required for these communities, and that the only possible source is the Colorado River. Plans are being formulated to go to that river for such supply. Naturally, the city of Los Angeles, because of its size and wealth has taken the lead. That city has, by an overwhelming vote, authorized a bond issue of $2,000,000 for preliminary investigation and construction, a large part of which has been expended.