Arizona republican., 1916-11-27
NEW WATER CODE
 FUR STATE URGED

Professor G. r.. |. smith, irrigation engineer of the University ot Arizoha- has made some suggestions to lrrl- gators and farmers of the state which shoi,ld be given their most hearty sup port and approval.
 Professor smith Is one of the leading irrigation engineers of not only Arl- zona. but of the entire southwest, ana his careful analysis of the needs of the state In the matter of irrigation legis- latlon is of incalcuIable value to the farmers of the state and to the pubic In general.
 Be it said at the outset that his in- terest and suggestions upon needed Legislation are purely from an lnvestl- gational and educational standpoint and are not prompted from political reasons, nor are his proposals attached to any political group or party The chaotic condition of the water and ir- rigation laws of Arizona has prompted Professor Smith to propose a modern water code for the state.
 The water situation and needs in the state were ably discussed by him at the recent International Irrigation Con- | gress in Fl Paso, where a strong reso- l lution supporting his ideas was passed. 1 Further discussion of the proposed water code was entered into by him at ! the Agricultural Science Seminary at | the university and before a meeting of water users in the Gila valley | So well received have been his sug gestions that the agricultural extension l service of the university is to publish ] at an early date circular setting forth the essential points of the pro- posed water code
 The fundamental principles of the proposed code are that the ownership of water flowing in streams rests in the public. or that is to say, the state; that water rights are merely rights to use the water beneficially; that the state should determine the vested and in itlated rights to the use of water and then should exercise complete control of it's waters in the interest of the public and of those who use the water or in good faith propose to use it.
 Washington and Arizona are the last of the western irrigated states to adopt modern water codes. Oregon and Wyoming have eminently satisfactory water codes and the plan proposed by Professor Smith embraces the good points of these codes with local adap tations.
 The proposed plan for Arizona pro ! V1deS Tor a state water cOHlfnlSslOner whose duties are to ascertain and re- cord all existing water rights, to grant new rights, for beneficial use of un- appropriated waters. to those who make proper application, and to pro- tect recorded rights by regulating diversions.
 In addition upon this commission il is proposed to place the duty of water measurements of streams. 10 investi- gate undeveloped irrigation and storage possibilities for the encouragement anC stimulation of healthy and justified de velopment. Interstate streams, sucf as the Colorado. involve possible inter state water right controversies, and 6 state body of qualified engineers anC legal advisers are essential to safe guard the interests of this state in sucl controversies It is also advised tha qualified official should pass upor all plans for dams and headgates ant canals to determine their adequac. and safety.
 The plan proposed by Professor Smith. as given in the forthcoming agricultural extension circular, shoul,