Brownsville herald. [volume] (Brownsville, Tex.) 1910-current, 1927-11-13

irrigation projects aver undertaken
IN . state Of Texas. The earth work
Tor the extensive canal system Will
be constructed, and water turned in
70 the canals 20 settled the dirt and
form a firm coundaticn for the con-
crete. Engineers In charge OF the
project point out that considerable
time will be required to settle this
Foundation firmly. and the concrete
VIII then be applied either by the
Gunite or the continuous pour meth
cd. Each Of these methods has GER
ain advantages, the engineers state,
and exhaustive tests are now under
way to ascertain which would prove
the most efficient and economical
A Distinct Innovation
The district has adopted q distinct
innovation in connection with the
planning Of the district. The entire
Irrigation system will be laid out
and al canals and main laterals To-
Gated prior to subdividing the tract.
In other words, the canal system
will be constructed TO fit the typog-
raphy, with a view TO practical and
economical construction and the
prevention OF water losses.
The majority Of irrigation systems
IN both the Valley and California
sections have been constructed af-
ter the land was subdivided, and
canals constructed to serve the dis
tricts as development progressed.
The method TO be employed by the
developers Of the new district serve
to place drainage lines between sub
division tracts and avoids the necess-
ity Of carrying drainage through the
fields Of the individual. IL also
avoids the necessity Of the indi-
yidual farmer having to carry water
across low places on his farm 70 a
high point on the other side OF the
natural drainage lines, thus tending
toward economy in canal construc-
ton and serious water loss. This
greatly reduces the mileage of canals
which would otherwise be necessary
70 construct in order 10 reach the
individual tracts.
The present plans Of the district
are TO secure water from the main
canal of the Edinburg system. which
has a highly efficient river pumping
plant at Penitas, just west of the
western edge Of the district. Four
pumping plants will be erected by
the district, and approximately So
per cent OF the area can be watered
from the first lift from the Edin5urg
canal, 35 per cent from the second
lift, and 80 per cent from the third
lift. These pumps will be electrically
driven.
Provides Reservoirs
Control reservoirs are contemplat-
ed on the Lower reaches Of the main
canals 10 be located in such manner
as 70 receive overpour in Ease Of
sudden shutdown Of the pumps.
Other reservoirs have been located
at points along the main laterals TO
receive excess flows which may oc-
cur in an emergency, especially such
obtain when heavy rains occur I'M
mediately following heavy irrigation.
Most Of the reservoirs will be located
nc the extreme end Of the laterals
and will occupy old lagoons which
ould be Of little service otherwise.
reservoirs will be fitted with
suitable gates for withdrawing wa
ter into the canals or for emptying
SO as to have them ready for an
other emergency.
Other aids 70 flexibility for IN
usual and extreme emergencies will
be provided by spillways over the
top Of the concrete lining which will
the water to flow into low
which are natural drains In
Of heavy rains. Additional flex-
will be obtained by building
headgates 10 laterals a little lower
the free board elevation Of the
lining. SO that part Of the
excess water which may be accumu-
lated will pour into the laterals TO
be taken care Of in the lower reach
es.
Water meters will be installed for