As California 's State Engineer , Hall worked on a comprehensive water supply and flood control system for the Sacramento Valley . Hall 's study of California 's hydrology lasted from 1878 through 1883 . In that time , his staff installed an extensive flow gauging system along some of California rivers . He was also instrumental in designing projects to help San Francisco acquire adequate supplies of water from the western watershed of the Tuolumne River . Following the earthquake of 1906 , San Francisco was able to secure the rights to the water , and it flooded Hetch Hetchy Valley
earthquake of 1906
1906 San Francisco earthquake
William Hammond Hall