Intake, Inyo County, California facts for kids
Intake was once a small community in Inyo County, California. It was located about 1 mile (1.6 km) south of Aberdeen. This spot was important because it was near the eastern end of a very long water pipeline. This pipeline, called the Los Angeles Aqueduct, carries water all the way from the Owens Valley to the big city of Los Angeles.
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What Was Intake and Why Was It There?
Intake was not a large town. It was more like a small camp or settlement. It existed mainly because of the huge project to build the Los Angeles Aqueduct. Workers and engineers needed a place to live and work while they built this amazing water system.
The Need for Water in Los Angeles
In the early 1900s, the city of Los Angeles was growing very fast. More and more people were moving there, but the city didn't have enough water for everyone. The local rivers and underground water sources were not enough. City leaders knew they needed to find a new, reliable source of water to keep the city thriving.
Building the Los Angeles Aqueduct
Engineers looked to the Owens Valley, which is about 233 miles (375 km) north of Los Angeles. The Owens Valley had plenty of water from snowmelt in the Sierra Nevada mountains. The idea was to build a giant aqueduct, which is like a huge canal or pipeline, to bring this water to Los Angeles.
The construction of the aqueduct was a massive undertaking. It involved building canals, tunnels, and pipes through mountains and deserts. Thousands of workers were needed for this project. Intake was one of the many small settlements that popped up along the aqueduct's path to support these workers.
How Long Did It Take to Build?
The construction of the Los Angeles Aqueduct began in 1908. It was a very difficult job, but the workers completed it in just five years. The aqueduct officially opened in 1913. This was a huge achievement for its time.
What Happened to Intake?
Once the aqueduct was finished, the need for a settlement like Intake disappeared. The workers moved on, and the temporary buildings were no longer needed. Over time, Intake became a "former settlement," meaning it no longer exists as a populated place today. However, its location remains important as part of the history of the Los Angeles Aqueduct.
