The Record-courier. [volume] (Gardnerville, Nev.) 1904-current, 1924-05-23
VOLUME A
I,AHONTAN DAM
WILL RUN DRY

Unless there are some heavy rain
storms in the Sierras this spring
and summer the Lahontan reservoir
will be empty by the first of Septem-
her. according to John f. Richardson
superintendent of the Newlands pro-
,ect Water delivery to farmers Is
being limited. Efforts are being made
TO prevent waste and water users are
now receiving their supply by rota-
ton.
Present storage In the Lahontan
reservoir Is ample to furnish ranch
90 In the project with a normal sup
nly until early In September should
there be no inflow from the Sierra
through the Carson river, 1t was ex-
nlained this week at the local recla-
nation offices, says the Gazette. De-
liyeries are being made on the same
per acre basis as last year, but farm
ers are now Obliged to take their
turns and do their irrgating by
night when necessary. Heretofore
large quantities Of water have been
allowed to flow into lower ends of
canals and go to waste, as conserva-
tion and night irrigating were con-
sidered unnecessary when there was
ample supply.
This Is the first season since the
building of the Lahontan reservoir
when there was possibility of water
shortage on the lower lands of the
Newlands project. Farmers at Fern
ley. Hazen and on Swinge Bench
have never suffered from dronth be
fore, nor will they have normal
run of water through the Truckee
this year. The main part of the pro-
iect has always claimed more that a
surplus OF storage and farmers were
permitted to irrigate attheir eonyen-
ience
Last winter, however, all of Cali
fornia, including the Sierra water
sheds. had less rainfall and snow
than for years When spring came
there was but little snow left to melt
and the flow into the Carson and
Trnckee rivers. Drouth continued
into the spring and still prevails.
Instead of rising after the begin
ming of the irrigating season. water
In the Lahontan reservoir has con-
tinued to fall. During normal years
snow and spring rains have brought
the maximum storage at the first of
July ..
There is no cause for alarm
around Fallon. II Is only necessary
that no water be wasted and that
each farmer make the bst OF what
Is available. As long as such use
continues more rigid regulations will
not be called for.
Each ditch rider is given certain
allotment on the basis of the actual
amount used, on the average basis,
on farms last year. On this basis
and without any inflow at Lahontan.
there is sufficient storage to last un-
III September.
At present there are $4,000 acre
feet in the Lahontan. II was explain
ed. The amount allotted for May de-
livery is 10000 acre feet: $4,000 acre
feet for June; $4,000 for July and
$4,000 for August. This is the same
as was delivered to farms last year,
but this year there will be no waste.
At present there Is but one-tenth
OF the normal inflow at Lahontan, but
that small amount is adding to the
present supply OF the $4,000 acre
feet now instorage. Ordinarily at
this time OF the year 2500 second feet
Is the normal inflow.
suggestion ocered the project
superintendent recently by Senator
True Vencill that temporary dam
be built on the lower Carson river
at the head OF the Hepman ditch to
relieve possible water shortage was
approayed at the last meeting OF the
water board. This earth structure,
similar to one built at the same
place In 1912, would divert between
twenty-five and thirty second feet of
water Into the D-line canal.
On Swinge Bench, where an actual
water shortage exists. the situation
VIII be relieved by pumping water
back In the Truckee canal from the
Lahontan reservoir.