description Imperial Valley Overview
The Imperial Valley is an intensively irrigated agricultural region located in the Colorado Desert of Southern California. Developed in the early 1900s, the area relies entirely on water diverted from the Colorado River via the All-American Canal. Because much of the valley sits below sea level, extensive irrigation systems are required to sustain its crops. Today, the region is a major producer of winter vegetables, alfalfa, and livestock.
help Imperial Valley FAQ
Where does the Imperial Valley get its water for irrigation?
The Imperial Valley relies entirely on water diverted from the Colorado River via the All-American Canal. This engineering project, developed in the early 1900s, transformed a Colorado Desert region into one of the most intensively irrigated agricultural areas in Southern California.
Why is the Imperial Valley considered part of the Colorado Desert?
The Imperial Valley is situated within the Colorado Desert, a sub-region of the larger Sonoran Desert in Southern California. Despite its desert location, intensive irrigation has made it a major agricultural producer.
What crops are grown in the Imperial Valley?
The Imperial Valley produces a variety of crops including alfalfa, lettuce, and sugar beets, thanks to year-round irrigation from Colorado River water. It is one of California's most productive agricultural regions despite its desert climate.
How does the Imperial Valley's agricultural runoff affect the Salton Sea?
Much of the Imperial Valley sits below sea level, and agricultural runoff from the irrigated fields flows into the Salton Sea. This has contributed to the lake's ongoing ecological challenges, including rising salinity and shoreline exposure.
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