OCR Text |
Show concessions on the part of the Governors and Commissioners representing the Upper Division States, of the theory that all of the water physically available in the Lower Basin, whether allocated or not, might be appropriated and used, in the Lower Basin, without prejudice to the rights of the States of the Upper Basin. This theory was regarded by Arizona's representatives as of vital importance, since without it there would not be sufficient water to supply the obvious needs of the States of the Lower Basin, and therefore no solid foundation upon which to predicate an agreement. The California Proposal California's representatives first proposed that the division of water be left to a board of engineers composed of a representative of each of the seven States and two representing the federal government. The futility of this plan of procedure was easily shown. California then offered the proposal that after first giving to each State an amount of water sufficient to take care of present vested rights, and 300,000 acre-feet to Nevada, the main stream then be divided equally between California and Arizona, and that Arizona's tributaries, to the extent that they can be utilized by diversion from such tributaries before their waters enter the main channel, be given to Arizona. Discussion disclosed that a division of the waters of the main channel, after deducting present vested rights, and particularly as such rights are claimed by California, would be preponderantly in California's favor. It also developed that Arizona's tributaries would be expected to bear the bulk of the Mexican burden if any water is given to that country by treaty. Arizona's Proposal Arizona's representatives proposed an equal division of the waters of the main channel, between the States of California and Arizona, after the allocation of 300,000 acre-feet to Nevada, and the retention for Arizona's use of the waters of her tributaries, the Mexican burden to be supplied out of the main stream if any water is given to that country by treaty. Nevada, whose rights were conceded both by Arizona and California, took little or no part in the discussion of water division. Proposal op Upper Division Governors After listening to the presentation of the views of Arizona's and California's representatives, and a period of negotiation conducted in executive sessions, the governors of the Upper Division submitted to the Conference a proposal to allocate to Nevada 300,000 acre-feet; to California 4,200,000 acre-feet; to Arizona 3,000,000 acre-feet; all other water flowing in the main channel to be divided equally between Arizona and California, and Arizona's tributaries to be given to Arizona. It was not altogether clear, in this proposal, where the Mexican burden would fall. After careful consideration, not only of the question of water division but as well of all phases of the practical situation, Arizona's representatives presented an acceptance of the Governors' proposal, |
Source |
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. |