East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current, 1920-03-20
WATER SUPPLY TO co
FAR BELOW NORMAL
BY PERCY A. CUPPER
Estate Engineer.)

NoIdte fIilBlletF-D
Il The supply of water for irrigation
according to the present indications
viii be far below normal this season
In fact it will not be surprising ii
1920 proves to be- the dryest season
of record for irrigationists. The heavy
SHOWS of early December seem not to
have reached to any marked degree
the higher attitudes, and most of the
snow seems to have already disappear
ed. In some sections, it fell on un-
frozen ground and was almost entirely
absorbed by the soil, while in other
sections the reverse was true and un-
usual floods followed the melting of
4 the snow.
| Reports from various sections of the
State indicate a very light snow fall
in the higher mountains. upon which
we must rely to maintain our irriga-
ton streams and fill our reservoirs.
1t seems, therefore, not too early to
check up on our available supply and
to take such practical precautions as
we may to avoid undue shortage for
the irrigated crops. The use of water
early i'm the season serves a double
purpose, 1t saturates the soil, much of
| which remains to supply the plants,
and also serves as a reservoir the wa
ter gradually returning to the stream
as seepage and maintaining its flow
for the benefit Of those below, which
in turn enable the upper appropriation
to longer divert water without infring-
ing upon prior rights.
Depends On Soil
The time when irrigation can be
commenced to advantage depends
upon the condition of the crops and
soil, and is far better known to the ir-
rigator in each particular locality than
by anyone else. The fact remains how
ever that the irigator with his usual
excess of spring work does not always
appreciate until it is too late, that
there may not be an ample supply of
water to raise a full crop unless he
starts in early. 1t is particularly
necessary that irrigators with the later
rights take warning and make the
best possible use of the water when
the same is available.
bitches should be cleaned out and
prepared for use as early as possible,
so that water may be applied as soon
as conditions in the respective locali-
ties will permit of the beneficial use of
the water.
Under the statute, the state Engi-
neer has charge of the distribution of
the waters of the various streams of
the State to those entitled to their
use as established by the state Board
or the courts.
Cooperation Necessary
Extreme shortage of water often
brings about unforeseen conditions !
which render the equitable distribu- |
tion of water difficult matter. How
ever with the confidence and coopera- !
tion of the water users, these prob /
lens become simple, and it is the de-
sire of the State Engineer to at all
times work in colse cooperation with
the water users
The water masters, who have inn /
mediate charge of the distribution of
water under the direction of the State
Engineer. are required to distribute
the water strictly in accordance with
the DEGREES OF the State Water Board I
ard the courts. In case of misun-
derstanding or dispute with the Water
master it is urged that the matter be
not Immediately taken into the courts,
but referred 10 the State Engineer.
Every effort will be made to adjust
the matter with due resl'cet 10 khc