calls for a comprehensive statewide water management system (complementing the extensive, but primarily irrigation-based central valley project) led to the creation of the california department of water resources in 1956. the following year, the preliminary studies were compiled into the extensive california water plan, or bulletin no. 3. the project was intended for "the control, protection, conservation, distribution, and utilization of the waters of california, to meet present and future needs for all beneficial uses and purposes in all areas of the state to the maximum feasible extent." california governor pat brown would later say it was to "correct an accident of people and geography".