Blythe Intake

Blythe Intake is a water diversion structure in Palo Verde Valley that channels Colorado River water through an irrigation network. The facility distributes water to agricultural fields and communities throughout the valley.

Development began in the 1870s under engineer William Calloway when Thomas Henry Blythe filed the first Colorado River water claim in 1877. This early project provided the foundation for agricultural expansion across the valley.

The water system transformed the desert into farmland and shaped how people in the valley live and work today. Local agriculture depends entirely on the water management practices established here, which defines the community's identity.

The location sits at Palo Verde Dam where visitors can view the water structure from accessible vantage points. Daytime visits offer the best visibility for observing the facility and surrounding landscape.

The facility earned recognition as California Historic Landmark Number 948 in 1982, marking its importance to regional water management history. This designation highlights how early engineering changed the valley's landscape.

GPS coordinates: 33.73180,-114.51584

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:20