Bethany Reservoir State Recreation Area adjoins Bethany Reservoir near Livermore at the northern edge of the San Joaquin Valley. The area centers on a reservoir that stores water for a pumping plant on the California Aqueduct, linking it to California’s major water-delivery system. At the same time, it serves as a public outdoor destination known for water-based recreation, especially fishing and windsurfing. Its importance comes from this combination of functions, joining essential infrastructure with recreational use in a single landscape.