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Show BOULDEK 9ANYON PROJECT 23 appeals no doubt but the canal can be constructed within the estimated sums. In the matter of keeping the canal clear of drift sand, the testimony of observers is that there is appreciable sand movement only about 60 days a year and the rate of advance of the dunes is almost negligible. A concrete road now running through the low passes in the dunes report very little sand accumulations and no difficulty whatever in keeping the road open for traffic. Even if the sand accumulations were much greater than anticipated, the lining of the sand dune canal section with concrete, increasing the gradient and covering the banks with vegetation would doubtless obliterate most of the difficulties. Governor Emerson. The international situation applying to the Colorado River is of much importance, but the construction of the described project need not await solution. In fact, the undertaking should prove of material assistance in solving the international problem. Much testimony was heard by the committee on this feature of the project, and it is thought that the construction of the canal is not only entirely feasible from engineering and economic views, but is necessary to the immediate safeguarding and protection of the water supply of the lower communities, and to the ultimate conservation of the waters of the Colorado River for use in the United States. WATER SUPPLY The only source of water for irrigation and domestic use below Boulder Canyon and including a very large area in Arizona and California is the Colorado River and its tributaries. That section of California including Palo Verde and Imperial Valleys must rely wholly upon the main stream of the Colorado River. The low flow of the river is now completely utilized. Four times in recent years the Imperial Valley, which is supplied from the lowest point of diversion, has taken all of the water from the stream. In 1924 all of the water was taken for about 90 days, and for 76 consecutive days the river was completely dry below the Imperial Valley head gate. During much of this time there was not sufficient water for the needs, and at one time only 1,250 cubic feet of water per second were available for the Imperial canal system, when at that time the needs were for about 4,000 cubic feet of water per second. The low-water period in the river comes in August, September, and October, at a time when water shortage even of brief duration is disastrous. The crop loss on account of water shortage in 1924 is estimated at more than $5,000,000. The development in the upper and lower basins of the river is proceeding rapidly and this water shortage is bound to be repeated unless the flood water is stored in a great reservoir as provided for in this bill. NOT SUFFICIENT WATER FOR ALL It is extremely doubtful if there is sufficient water in the river for all land susceptible of irrigation, including lartds_.in Mexico. Because of physical "conditions, Mexico, under present arrangements, can develop much more rapidly in the future than can the lands in the United States. Its lands are near the river and irrigation work is inexpensive. If Mexico obtains water for its full development, it seems almost certain that a somewhat similar area in the Colorado River Basin in the United States, that otherwise would be reclaimed, will forever remain a desert. |
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Original book: [State of Arizona, complainant v. State of California, Palo Verde Irrigation District, Coachella Valley County Water District, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California, City of Los Angeles, California, City of San Diego, California, and County of San Diego, California, defendants, United States of America, State of Nevada, State of New Mexico, State of Utah, interveners] : California exhibits. |