The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1915-07-16

The Boise Water Users Associa-
ton, at the meeting of the directors
held Tuesday in Caldwell, decided to
sci! to the older irrigating companies
and districts 1900 acre-feet of water
III case they need it. This relief as
surcs that there will be no serious
damage from drouth in the Boise val
ley this season.
At the last meeting of the officials
OF the association the matter of sell
ing government water this year in
order to piece out a possible short
age In the river flow was considered.
1t was then feared that distress might
oNcrtake the valley systems most any
day by reason OF a period of dry
weather which would cut the flow
in the river. AS it was impossible
at that time to estimate accurately
whether or not the association would
nave any surplus of storage water.
decision OF the matter was put over,
Fortunately, no dry period has been
experienced and reports at TUESDAYS
session showed that no shortage is
likely to be experienced even during
the next IS or 20 days.
On July IS distribution to the river
systems will be reduced to IS per cent
OF their usual allotment and 10 DAYS
later this amount will be further cut
to Oh per cent. This is the plan Gus
tomarily followed late in the season.
AS the need for water decreases rap
idly as soon as grain crops are ma
tured the 90 per cent allowance would
in itself probably suffice if the river
but continued to furnish this amount
Estimates Working Out.
Supervising Engineer Weymouth
showed at Tuesdays meeting that it
is still impossible to estimate accur-
ately just how much of a surplus may
be left in the Arrowrock reservoir.
1t was found that since the previous
discussion almost exactly the amount
of water has been used from the Ar
rowrock and Deer Flat reservoirs
which it was then estimated would be
run out in this time. Despite the
success of this fifteenLday estimate.
the association fears that an unfore-
seen spell of dry hot weather might
vitiate estimates made now of the
amount that may remain at the end
of the seoson.
Mr.. Weymouth stated that on July
II there was impounded behind the
Arrowrock dam l25,83o and in the
Deer Flat basin 1894 acre-feet,
total of 20o,603 acre-feet. His
calculations based ON the amount
of water used during the remainder
of the season last year would indi-
cate surplus of 42150 acre-feet in
the larger reservoir and a shortage
of a 600 acre-feet at Deer Flat. This
would give, with the small amount yet
likely to be diverted into Arrowrock
a surplus of about 10000 acre-feet.
Satisfactory Compromise.
A few of the directors favored an
immediate decision to sell about 20
600 acre-feet to the companies which
have had applications to purchase
storage water filed since spring.
Others did not favor the sale of a
drop of the precious supply until set
tiers on the project are assured of
all they need. AS a compromise be-
tween the two extreme views it was
voted to allow the sale of as much
as 1900 acre-feet before the time
of the next monthly meeting. This
amount is placed at the disposal of
river systems in the next 30 days, to
be distributed to them under direc-
ton of Messrs, Weymouth and Tall
man, as needs and demands may
arise. This action meets with general
favor and there is every reason to be-
lieve that the amount will be ample
for all needs that may arise.
1t is believed certain that there
will be at least another equal amount
of surplus water which may be placed
at the disposal of the irrigation COM
panies at the next monthly meeting.
If this proves to be the case another
allotment will then be offered for
sale Under this plan the rights of
settlers will be fully protected and
needs of the various systems will also
be met insofar as possible In fact
it is evident now that the Boise valley
will not suffer materially from any
shortage of water late in the season
this year as had been feared
For each acre foot of water sold the
project receives 90 cents. Revenue
from the sale of the full 10000 acre
feet rendered to the privately controll-
ed systems will thus amount to $500