The silver messenger. (Challis, Idaho) 1890-1912, 1910-05-10

vexing Problem to Newcomer in
Semi-Arid Regilns.
After Having Been Unearthed Next
Question 10 Limit Of Depth from
Which II 10 Feasible to Pump
for Irrigation Purposes.

Along with the rapid increase Of
the agricultural population Of the semi
arid country In the past few years
have arisen many problems Of which
the most trying to the newcomer is
the provision Of an independent water
supply for irrigation and domestic pur-
poses. Since the possibility of divert
ing water for irrigation from running
streams, except in the more inacces-
the existence Of old or existing rights
which conflict with further appropria-
tions, there remain practically only
Two methods OF securing Independent
water supply, one of which Is the con-
structiOn Of storage works to retain
the storm waters Of arroyos and the
other Is by pumping from the under
reasonable depth. 1t is the latter Of
these methods, apparently, that most
interests large majority of recent
homeseekers In the territory and 1t is
with view to helping them somewhat
In solving the problem of how best to
proceed that this bulletin is written.
1t Is the most beneficial provision OF
nature that in spite of the barren. dry
and unpromising appearance of the
great plains and valleys, there will,
In many instances, be found some
where beneath the surface a supply of
sparkling potable water. This fact has
only begun to be appreciated within
the past decade, but meanwhile people
have been making the best of their
opportunities and everywhere within
the boundaries Of the territory wind
mills and pumping plants are now fur
nishing water supplies for stock and
irrigation where formerly 1t was be-
l1eved no water was to be found within
20 to SO miles. 1t is not to be under
stood from this, however, that q man
should take up homestead anywhere
In the southwest and find beneath his
farm sufficient water for its irrigation
at = moderate depth; in certain val
legs we may drill we'll at a certain
spot and find an abundant supply Of
water at q comparatively shallow
depth, while another we'll a quarter
.
than dry hole as far as 1t is possible
to drill 1t. While, therefore, there are
certain conditions under which water
Is likely or unlikely to be found. yet
an actual test by digging or drilling is
the surest way Of satisfying oneself
In regard to the matter.
Water having been found, or there
being satisfactory indications that It
may be found, the next question is the
limit of depth from which 1t is feas-
ible or profitable to pump water, In
which Is involved OF course the use to
which the water Is to be put. For
domestic purposes or for the water
water Is an unimportant item since the
motive power is usually a windmill
and the quantity required is very small
In comparison with what Is necessary
when the purpose is irrigation. On the
other hand when one begins to seri-
ously consider the proposition of
pumping for irrigation there should be
made a rigid and searching analysis
of the matter in all It's phases, for
we may say at the start that the
pumping of water for irrigation and
making it pay is not child's play by
any means and the person who at
tempts 1t must not only be a fair me-
chanician but also a good business
man and farmer. 1t may be stated, as
a general rule, that the more valuable
the crop grown the greater can be the
head through which water may be
pumped profitably and vice versa.