This thesis provides an examination of the archaeology and history of the San Diego River, and how it shaped the modern perceptions of those living in San Diego. The use of applied anthropological theory will provide a general framework for the future of study for the San Diego River by using history, archaeology, and modern ethnography to draw conclusions about changing perceptions of water. The main focus of this study includes archaeological evidence of water use along the San Diego River, the subsequent development of the river in the form of irrigation, storage, and transport, and the future of water use for San Diegans. These topics are presented from various theoretical perspectives, ranging from historical ecology to capitalist and Marxist theory and path dependency in an effort to explain culture change over time. Case studies in archaeology and applied anthropology from various geographic regions are included to demonstrate parallel themes and perspectives to the San Diego River. The concluding discussion focuses on successful water use from prehistoric practices to modern technology and how a combination of these factors provides suggestions for the future of water policy and use in San Diego. The goal of this thesis is to provide a background and solid framework on which to build a more comprehensive understanding of water use in the San Diego region, and how to use applied anthropology to shape water policy with a greater understanding of the changing culture of water in the San Diego region.
