Arizona republican. [volume] (Phoenix, Ariz.) 1890-1930, 1907-03-05
WATER USERS ASSOCIATIONS,

/ the use OF water and owning lands
! within the area to be supplied by the
] works constructed by the government
II. Q-Why are the associations
: formed A.-They are formed in or
/ der 10 assure the government that the
/ landowners will apply for water from
/ the irrigation works. and that they
will SO adjust the existing claims to
/ the use of water that the administra-
/ ti0n of all the water available for the
/ lands under the project. whether sup
piled from private or from govern
Z ment irrigation works. shall be under
one control. viz: that Of the water
users themselves. This organization
| is necessary. in order that there may
be supervision over the distribution
of water to lands in private owner
ship. as contemplated by section of
the reclamation act.
u. Q.-What is the form of organi-
cation? A.-The form Of organization
may vary in different parts of the
country i'm accordance with local
needs. \ general form has been pre-
pared which can be used in organ
izing such associations. Its principles
have been approved by the secretary
Of the interior.
%. Q.-What is required Of per-
sons joining such associations? A
Cd They agree TO turn over to the
management OF the association the
water which they have heretofore APP
propriated. to be administered in con-
nectiOn with the additional water sup
ply furnished from the government ir-
ria n
make their former water rights as well
as the government water rights ap-
purtcnant TO the lands irrigated. 90
They agree to pay the charges for
water rights required by the reclama-
ton act. 90 They agree that their
land shall he security for the govern
mcnt charge for water. and that such
charges shall be a lien on the land
which the association may enforce if
they do not pay for the water. 90
They agree to dispose Of the lands
they own in excess Of the limit Of land
in private ownership permitted 10 ap-
ply for water from the government
system.
IA. Q.-how is the association man.
aged? A.-Directly by the water users
themselves. and through the officers
elected by them.
-. Q.-What is the connection be
tween the association and the govern
ment? A.-lSefore beginning cOnstruc-
ton the government will make a con-
tract with the association in which the
latter will guarantee the paymen for
the government construction, and will
agree to enfore collection from its
their lands. il necessary.
&c. Q-DOes the shareholders derive
any advantage from this lien? A
Yes; it protects him against the posi-
bility Of being required to pay for a
shiftless neighbor's water right, for
without the lien the association would
be required TO- assess each member for
any deficiency.
l.. Q.-What is the form of Organi-
cation contemplated by section Of the
act. TO which the management and
operation of the irrigation system is to
be turned over when the payments
have been made for the major portion
OF the lands irrigated? A.-This can
not be decided until such period ap-
prOaches in the first project to be COM
pleted The form Of water users as,
sociation already discussed will prob
ably meet the necessary requirements.
In any even it will require few. if any,
changes to meet the conditions cOntem-
plated in section 6.
WATER SUPPLY.
IS. Q.-How much water will be fur
nished to each water user? Ale
will receive his proportional part of
the entire supply in the hands Of the
association, not in excess Of the amount
for the proper cultivation Of
his land.
10. Q.-What assurance has he of a
supply. A.-The association is
required to limit the lands represented
by its shares to the area which the
government has determined can be cul-
tivatcd to the highest efficiency.
20. Q.-What will be the cost Of the
government water right? A.-The
amount consistent with per
manent work Steel and concrete will
be used where required. The largest
part Of the cost Of ordinary irrigation
systems. that is, the maintenance.
which goes on forever, will be reduced
10 a minimum.
fected by joining the association? A
The reclamation act expressly protects
vested water rights. BY joining the
association the owner of such water
rights puts them in the care of the as
ISOLATION and the water IS to be deliv-
cred to him as before. being included
in the complete supply furnished from
the government system. His priority Of
water right remains intact, is protect
ed by the articles of the association,
and may be reasserted If ever there
should be a shortage Of water in the
future.
%. Q.-How are such prior water
rights to be protected if the need
should arise fifty years hence? A.
These rights must be definitely ascer-
tanned and made a matter Of record as
soon as the association can have the
made. This adjustment can
be made by mutual agreement or in the
courts.
EXCESS LANDS.
%. Q.-How soon must a man dis
pose of his excess land? Ale will
not be required to do so before the gov
eminent is ready to furnish the water.
hus gaining the benefit of advanced