OCR Text |
Show -36- on the crossings at this state, as stated by Capt. Polhamus, the amount diverted by the canal would decrease the depth of the water on them about one inch, as a part of the effect would be shown in a slight slackening of the current. This would not, in my judgment, be materially injuring the navigability of the stream. The water at present diverted, if all used for irrigation will serve some six times as much land as is now watered, so that a considerable expansion of the irrigation area can occur before farther draft will be made on the river. Whenever the stage of the river passes above 24 ft. on the Yuma gauge, the diversion of the water by the canal will help rather than injure the navigability of the stream, as it will divert, all in one place, and without materially decreasing the river's current, water which would otherwise pass over the river's banks at many places, causing numerous bars to form on the crossings. I am not in possession of sufficient information to enable me to express an opinion as to the effect the canal will have on the river during low water. I do not know how much the canal will then divert, nor what proportion it will bear to the whole volume of the river. Further investigation will be necessary. I will say, however, that it is quite possible that Mr. Rockwood's contention is correct. In any case, the value of the water to the two Republics, who use for irrigation, will be many hundredsfold greater than when let run useless to the sea on the chance that the owners of some small steamer might wish it to make sporadic trips. Respectfully submitted, W. W. Follett, Consulting Engineer. |
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. |