Helix Water District

Helix History (1940-1949)

1940
The Colorado River Aqueduct is completed, but the original plan does not extend to San Diego County. The development of San Diego's naval stations and aircraft industry raises concerns about the availability of future water supplies.

At the same time
World War II continues as the Germans invade France and take Paris. The Battle of Britain is waged in the skies over England as Germany tries to invade. Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister. Roosevelt is reelected. "The Grapes of Wrath" is filmed. Disney films "Fantasia." "You Are My Sunshine" and "South of the Border" are popular songs. The first electron microscope is built.

1941
San Diego representatives are sent to Washington D. C. to pressure Congress to allot funds for a Colorado River connection to San Diego County because of extensive water use by the military in the region. District expenses rise due to difficulty in obtaining labor and materials during wartime. Guards are placed on vital properties to prevent sabotage.

At the same time
The United States is drawn into World War II when the Japanese attack Pearl Harbor. German forces reach into North Africa. The Manhattan Project is developed to begin atomic studies. Orson Welles films "Citizen Kane." "The Chattanooga Choo Choo" is a popular song. Joe DiMaggio is a baseball superstar.

1942
Rubber and other material rationing seriously hinder the District's ability to operate vehicles and replace pipelines. The District has 6,414 services and covers an area of 18,798 acres.

At the same time
About 400,000 American troops land in North Africa, forcing Rommel to retreat. The Japanese continue taking islands in the Pacific. American forces begin retaking Pacific islands at Midway. "Stars and Stripes," the military newspaper, is created. "Bambi" is filmed. Magnetic recording tape is created. Bell Aircraft tests the United States' first jet. "White Christmas" becomes a huge hit.

1943
Water use during the war rises sharply as San Diego becomes a major aircraft production city. Studies are underway to determine the best method to import Colorado River water.

At the same time
World War II rages on as American forces retake Guadalcanal and other islands in the Pacific where the aircraft carrier proves invaluable. Allied troops push into Italy and Sicily, forcing the surrender of the Facist Italian government. Penicillin is first used to treat infections. Big band swing is at the height of its popularity.

1944
The United States agrees to give Mexico 1.5 million acre-feet of Colorado River water each year, much to the dismay of the seven Colorado River basin states. After losing three times in Supreme Court cases challenging the constitutionality of the Colorado River Compact, Arizona finally signs the agreement. The San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) is formed to administer the region's Colorado River water rights.The District is a charter member.

At the same time
World War II continues. The Solomon and Marshall Islands are retaken in the Pacific. Heavy bombing continues in Europe. The D-Day invasion of Normandy takes place June 6 as Allied troops begin to recapture Europe. Roosevelt wins his fourth election. Tennessee Williams writes "The Glass Menagerie." Diego Rivera paints "The Rug Weaver." "Don't Fence Me In," and "Sentimental Journey" are popular songs.

1945
The State Water Resources Control Board is formed. The District is finally able to begin replacing needed portions of pipelines and developing new tank sites to supply the growing El Cajon area.

At the same time
Franklin D. Roosevelt dies and is replaced by Harry Truman. Adolph Hitler commits suicide and Mussolini is killed. Victory in Europe Day is declared on May 8. The United States drops two atomic bombs on Japan in August, forcing surrender. George Orwell writes "Animal Farm." Rocky Graziano is winning boxing titles.

1946
The District obtains a large fleet of surplus military equipment to use in construction projects. Materials and labor once again become available.

At the same time
Dr. Benjamin Spock writes "Baby and Child Care." The United Nations General Assembly is formed and makes New York its headquarters. America explodes a test atomic bomb on the Bikini Atoll in the Pacific. Irving Berlin's "Annie Get Your Gun" is on Broadway. "Zip-a-dee-doo-dah" is being sung around the country.

Chet Harritt (left) and Rube Levy open valve for first Colorado River water to arrive in San Diego County in 1947.

The Marshall Plan for European recovery is developed. "The Diary of Anne Frank" is published. Chuck Yeager breaks the sound barrier. Tennessee Williams writes "A Streetcar Named Desire." Jackie Robinson becomes the first black major league baseball player. Thousands of veterans take advantage of the GI Bill.

Board of Directors Rube E. Levy, Bill West, Bill Sperry, Joe Levikow, and Jack Schrade view plans for the Chet Harritt Dam.

Indian leader Gandhi is killed. The Jewish State comes into existence. Harry Truman wins the Presidential election. The long-playing record is invented. The 200" Palomar Telescope goes into service. "All I Want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth" is on the radio.

1949
Two new sluice gates are added to the Diverting Dam to reduce the amount of water passing over the dam during high flood flows. A $500,000 bond issue to finance new transmission mains earns a majority of the vote, but not enough to pass.

At the same time
Unrest develops between North and South Korea. deHavilland builds the Comet, the first commercial jet airliner. George Orwell writes "1984." Arthur Miller writes "Death of a Salesman." "The Third Man" is filmed. "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" is released.

Go to 1950-1959