The Clifton clarion., 1886-12-01
RESERVOIRS.
n-I. T. ,,Atr1SrAr. c. 2.

The storage of water for irriga-
 ton is a subject the importance of
 which all who live in as arid a region as Arizona and surround
 ing Territories will readily appre-
 ciate. There arc many small streams or rivulets which afford too
 ii.tlo water to irriaato an acre of
 of land, in their natural state, but
 which, when collected in a rescr
 volr would supply enough for one
 or more farms OF lomesteads.
 For the benefit of any who may
 wish to utilize waters now running
 to waste, by building 8 reservoir,
 tho writer, who has had practical experience as a hydraulic engineer
 for over thirty years, proposes to give some practical suggestions,
 with the hope that they may be of
 benefit to those concerned.
 There has been some prejudice
 against eartLon dams forreservoirs because of tLeir sometimes giving
 way and the fearful destruction
 thereby caused to life and property below, from the overwhelming
 rush Of the waters SO suddenly re
 leased; but when properly con structed they are perfectly safe
 and reliable. The writer proposes
 to show in this article the causes. Of these disasters. and how to avoid
 them.
 The most common causes for the bursting of reservoirs are: First, the imperfect connection of the bottom and ends Of the om5ank- ment forming the dam with the contiguous earth beneath it. Sec ond the boring through the dam by moles, muskrats and similar animals. Third, the flow of water over the top of the dam in time of flood, caused by cloud burst or sudden melting of snow. But all danger from above causes is very easily guardoJ against and pre- vented, as will be shown in this article.
 The first thing to consider is the location of the dam and the ma tarial for its construction. The dam may be of earth, timber or masonry; but as in most cases it is beyond the ability Of ordinary settlers to build of timber or cut stone, we will in this sketch con sidor those built of earth, as belng much cheaper, and. when properly constructed. answering every pun pose
 Tn choosing a Iocat;on for a dam we naturally select a place where the shortos5 length of dam will create the largest pond of water; but here another point must Do considered. The soil where the dam is 10 be built should be of 9 nature to hold water, and for this a clay loam. or clay mixed with gravel is Inc best. Avoid sandy or gravoly formations, as in some eases the water will all leak away, and in others the earth will become saturated Ike a sponge and all at once slide out in a body. The sama difficulty ar pears in land full of alkali or other which dissolves by con tact with the water and makes the whole mass like a paste and desti- ute of stability.
 The place for the dam having been selected, the foundation spot ! should be plowed and all the suT- face soil removed. The object of this is to remove sOds. sticks. roots. l etc, which, if allowed to remain, | will in time decay and leave holes l or loose earth through which wa ter may find its way, and if one lrop passes through another will 1 follow and soon the whole pond | will go through the dam and wash | It all away. The dam will settle all it can long before the sods and . sticks decay so that when they do . rot tLe earth does not settle again | and fill the vacancies so caused, . and the water finds its way be- meath the dam.
 As the dam is ra1sed great care must be taken at the two ends to produce a perfect blending with the solid earth which it joins. This blending is best accomplished . by excavatng several feet into the  bank and ramiuing solidly the loose earth for the dam as It is de posted. Too much care can hardly be given to this point, and a neglect here will be almost cer- tain to cause a seam to form be- tween the end of the dam and the T. n