aqueduct

On the concrete walls are stained lines that extend into the darkness, marking where the water often reaches when the aqueduct is running full.

The water flows in aqueducts and canals to desert farmlands and cities from Palm Springs to San Diego.

And federal officials charged with carrying out the president’s order knew that the state — not the federal government — controls the aqueducts and pump stations that deliver water to Southern California’s cities.

The state and federal water systems, including dams, aqueducts and pumping facilities, are among the world’s largest.

Other supplies are imported in aqueducts and pipelines from Northern California, the Colorado River and the Eastern Sierra.