Water in California and the American West has always been a key driver of the economy and the development of a large and growing population. Yet, few in the state have an understanding of the origins of the water they depend on, its allocation and use, or the policy and regulatory framework that provides the context in which it is obtained, distributed and paid for. This course will cover the availability of water and the rise of urban populations—how cities obtain, use and dispose of their water. We will also discuss the amazingly complex system of federal, state and local agencies that capture, distribute and regulate water, as well as current conflicts and debates therein.