This means they must rely on private domestic wells for their household water supply, and they must maintain a septic tank system for disposal of household wastewater from sinks and toilets. As noted above, irrigation of pastures and gardens is accomplished using ditch water. Water supplies are managed by an irrigation water company which charges a yearly fee for ditch maintenance. Property owners must own ditch water rights in order to use this water. Much time, effort and many resources are required to properly manage and maintain the animals, buildings and fields of a small ranch.
Many residents have a landscape maintenance service or a gardener to help manage their property.
Small ranchers should share the information in this manual with their gardener or maintenance service. This manual will examine the various components of the ranch, and each chapter will give practical information about the best management practices for each component. By applying the techniques in this manual, residents will help safeguard their property value and maintain clean water for themselves, their neighbors, and the environment.