history of the buckeye canal.ppt - buckeye water conservation

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History of the Buckeye History of the Buckeye C l C l Canal Canal BWCDD Zanjero Training BWCDD Zanjero Training Session #1 Session #1 1/2/2008 1/2/2008

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Page 1: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

History of the Buckeye History of the Buckeye C lC lCanalCanal

BWCDD Zanjero TrainingBWCDD Zanjero TrainingSession #1Session #1S ss o #S ss o #1/2/20081/2/2008

Page 2: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Three Make HistoryThree Make HistoryThree Make HistoryThree Make History

On a spring day in 1885, Malin M. Jackson, Joshua L. Spain and On a spring day in 1885, Malin M. Jackson, Joshua L. Spain and p g y J J pp g y J J pHenry Mitchell hooked a team of horses to a wagon and headed Henry Mitchell hooked a team of horses to a wagon and headed west out of Phoenix.west out of Phoenix.They followed the old Yuma freight road to the junction of theThey followed the old Yuma freight road to the junction of theThey followed the old Yuma freight road to the junction of the They followed the old Yuma freight road to the junction of the Gila and Agua Fria Rivers. Gila and Agua Fria Rivers. They looked over the land for some place that would be easy to They looked over the land for some place that would be easy to develop an irrigation systemdevelop an irrigation systemdevelop an irrigation system.develop an irrigation system.They initially looked on the South side of the GilaThey initially looked on the South side of the GilaNot being satisfied, they made a second trip and decided on a Not being satisfied, they made a second trip and decided on a g pg plocation just west of where the Agua Fria flows into the Gila to location just west of where the Agua Fria flows into the Gila to locate a dam.locate a dam.

Page 3: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Creative From the StartCreative From the StartCreative From the StartCreative From the Start

Wi h il d h h h d h flWi h il d h h h d h flWithout pencil and paper, the three hewed out a smooth flat Without pencil and paper, the three hewed out a smooth flat place on a willow tree and wrote a notice with charcoal.place on a willow tree and wrote a notice with charcoal.They hurried back to Phoenix, built a triangle, returned and They hurried back to Phoenix, built a triangle, returned and posted a legal notice on May 28posted a legal notice on May 28thth, 1885., 1885.They surveyed the first three miles of the canal utilizing the They surveyed the first three miles of the canal utilizing the triangle to see if they could get the water our of the land.triangle to see if they could get the water our of the land.t a g e to see t ey co d get t e wate o o t e a d.t a g e to see t ey co d get t e wate o o t e a d.Being satisfied that the venture was feasible, they returned to Being satisfied that the venture was feasible, they returned to Phoenix and filed their notice of location at the recorder’s office Phoenix and filed their notice of location at the recorder’s office in Phoenix on June 30 1885in Phoenix on June 30 1885in Phoenix on June 30, 1885.in Phoenix on June 30, 1885.

Page 4: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885

January 4 January 4 -- The first successful appendectomy is performed by The first successful appendectomy is performed by J yJ y pp y p ypp y p yDr. William W. Grant on Mary Gartside. Dr. William W. Grant on Mary Gartside. January 20 January 20 -- L.A. Thompson patents the roller coaster. L.A. Thompson patents the roller coaster. February 9February 9 The first Japanese arrive in HawaiiThe first Japanese arrive in HawaiiFebruary 9 February 9 -- The first Japanese arrive in Hawaii. The first Japanese arrive in Hawaii. February 21 February 21 -- US president Chester A. Arthur dedicates the US president Chester A. Arthur dedicates the Washington Monument Washington Monument March 3 March 3 -- American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), is American Telephone and Telegraph (AT&T), is incorporated in New York. incorporated in New York. March 4 March 4 -- Grover Cleveland replaces Chester A. Arthur as Grover Cleveland replaces Chester A. Arthur as cc ove C eve d ep ces C es e . sove C eve d ep ces C es e . sPresident of the United States. President of the United States.

Page 5: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885

April 3 April 3 -- Gottlieb Daimler was granted a German patent for his Gottlieb Daimler was granted a German patent for his dd d dd d11--cylinder watercylinder water--cooled engine design cooled engine design

April 30 April 30 -- A bill is signed in the New York State legislature A bill is signed in the New York State legislature forming the Niagara Falls State Park forming the Niagara Falls State Park May 2 May 2 -- Good HousekeepingGood Housekeeping magazine goes on sale for the first magazine goes on sale for the first time. time. June 17 June 17 -- The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor. The Statue of Liberty arrives in New York Harbor. JJJuly 6 July 6 -- Louis Pasteur successfully tests his vaccine against rabies. Louis Pasteur successfully tests his vaccine against rabies. July 14 July 14 -- Sarah E. Goode is the first female AfricanSarah E. Goode is the first female African--American to American to apply for and receive a patent, for the invention of the hideaway apply for and receive a patent, for the invention of the hideaway pp y p , ypp y p , ybed.bed.

Page 6: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885Famous Events in 1885

October 13 October 13 -- Georgia Institute of Technology is established in Georgia Institute of Technology is established in AAAtlanta, Georgia as the Georgia School of Technology. Atlanta, Georgia as the Georgia School of Technology. December 1 December 1 -- The US Patent Office acknowledges this date as The US Patent Office acknowledges this date as the day Dr Pepper was served for the very first time; the exact the day Dr Pepper was served for the very first time; the exact d f D P ' i i i kd f D P ' i i i kdate of Dr Pepper's invention is unknown. date of Dr Pepper's invention is unknown. Creation of the first genuine safety bicycle, the Rover, by the Creation of the first genuine safety bicycle, the Rover, by the nephew of James Starley of Coventry Company; John K Starley. nephew of James Starley of Coventry Company; John K Starley. John Boyd Dunlop a Scottish veterinarian, invents the pneumatic John Boyd Dunlop a Scottish veterinarian, invents the pneumatic tire tire First skyscraper First skyscraper -- Home Insurance Building in Chicago, Illinois, Home Insurance Building in Chicago, Illinois, USA (10 fl )USA (10 fl )USA (10 floors). USA (10 floors). Bicycle Playing Cards first produced. Bicycle Playing Cards first produced.

Page 7: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Famous Births in 1885Famous Births in 1885Famous Births in 1885Famous Births in 1885

February 7 February 7 -- Sinclair Lewis, American writer, Sinclair Lewis, American writer, yy , ,, ,Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1951) Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1951) February 24 February 24 -- Chester Nimitz, U.S. admiral (d. Chester Nimitz, U.S. admiral (d. yy , (, (1966) 1966) May 7 May 7 -- George 'Gabby' Hayes, American actor George 'Gabby' Hayes, American actor yy g y y ,g y y ,(d. 1969) (d. 1969) July 4 July 4 -- Louis B. Mayer, American film producer Louis B. Mayer, American film producer J yJ y y py p(d. 1957) (d. 1957) November 11 November 11 -- George Patton, American George Patton, American gggeneral (d. 1945) general (d. 1945)

Page 8: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Famous Deaths in 1885Famous Deaths in 1885Famous Deaths in 1885Famous Deaths in 1885

July 23July 23 -- Ulysses Simpson Grant American CivilUlysses Simpson Grant American CivilJuly 23 July 23 Ulysses Simpson Grant, American Civil Ulysses Simpson Grant, American Civil War general and the 18th U.S. President (b. War general and the 18th U.S. President (b. 1822)1822)1822) 1822) September 15 September 15 -- Jumbo, the great elephant & star Jumbo, the great elephant & star attraction in PT Barnum's circus (train accident)attraction in PT Barnum's circus (train accident)attraction in PT Barnum s circus (train accident) attraction in PT Barnum s circus (train accident) (b. 1861) (b. 1861)

Page 9: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

With a PurposeWith a PurposeWith a PurposeWith a Purpose

Twelve thousand inches of water was located and claimed by the b dgroup, as was a right of way over the public domain forty feet

wide to the Hassayampa Creek on which to build their canal.It was named the “Buckeye Canal” by Mr. Jackson in honor of hi i Ohi “ h B k S ”his native state, Ohio, “the Buckeye State.”The purpose of the canal was said to be “for agricultural, milling or mechanical enterprises.”In September, 1885, M.E. Clanton and others organized the Buckeye Canal Company and had the new company’s articles of organization recorded with the territorial’s secretary on September 25 1885September 25, 1885.The original locators were paid $300 for their interest and work was begun on building the canal.

Page 10: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Buckeye Canal CompanyBuckeye Canal CompanyBuckeye Canal CompanyBuckeye Canal Company

On July 24, 1886 Buckeye Canal Company filed notice of an On July 24, 1886 Buckeye Canal Company filed notice of an ddddadditional 38,000 miner inches, making for a total of 50,000 additional 38,000 miner inches, making for a total of 50,000

miner inches (1250 cfs)miner inches (1250 cfs)This location was recorded in Phoenix on October 8, 1886.The original canal survey extended from the dam at the Agua Fria River to the lower end of Arlington near the present Gillespie Dam and was completed to the Hassayampa in 1886.Water was turned into the canal in 1887.Water was turned into the canal in 1887.The water was to be carried across the Hassayampa river by means of a sand dam until the dam was full and then it ran out h h idthe other side.

It was maintained this way for many years although the dam It was maintained this way for many years although the dam washed out every time a little flush of water came down the washed out every time a little flush of water came down the HHHassayampa.Hassayampa.

Page 11: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Buckey in BuckeyeBuckey in Buckeyeuc ey uc eyeuc ey uc eye

On October 13, 1888, William (Buckey) O’Neill, formed theOn October 13, 1888, William (Buckey) O Neill, formed the Buckeye Irrigation Company.On that same day, the Buckeye Canal Company contracted with O’Neill to constrcut a dam that would divert at least 6 000 inchesO Neill to constrcut a dam that would divert at least 6,000 inches into the canal at all times.On October 28, 1888, the rights and title to the 50,000 inches ( i 6 000 i h ) ld(minus 6,000 inches) was sold to.The 6,000 inches were already appropriated and were represented by 75 shares previously issuedy p yThese shares had first and prior rights in the canal up to 6,000 inches.

Page 12: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Big Watershed & Big DreamsBig Watershed & Big DreamsBig Watershed & Big DreamsBig Watershed & Big Dreams

Mr. O'Neill Mr. O'Neill commissioned Major Edward Wilton to survey the j ycanal.Major Wilton reported back that “the location of the head of the canal is the best in the valleys of the Salt and Gila rivers as itcanal is the best in the valleys of the Salt and Gila rivers as it catches all the water from the Salt and Verde and Gila Rivers and also of the Agua Fria and Cave Creek.In fact it catches the drainage of Northern and northeasternIn fact, it catches the drainage of Northern and northeastern Arizona, northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Sonora. A vast territory larger than all the New England States.”Pl d b i 120 000 d i i iPlans were made to bring over 120,000 acres under irrigation Funding was attempted through bonds to finance the Funding was attempted through bonds to finance the enlargement and extension of the canal.enlargement and extension of the canal.gg

Page 13: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Big Watershed & Big DreamsBig Watershed & Big DreamsBig Watershed & Big DreamsBig Watershed & Big Dreams

Page 14: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Flood ProblemsFlood ProblemsFlood ProblemsFlood Problems

The The flood of 1891 flooded the Buckeye Valley and parts of y y pPhoenix as well. This flood washed out the dam and gates. It broke the South Extension Canal and washed out or filled upIt broke the South Extension Canal and washed out or filled up with drift or sand the first five or six miles of the main canal.Faced with dire conditions, with little to no chance of getting

i i f f h f dwater in time for crops, many of the farmers moved out.The Buckeye Irrigation Company talked of big plans that would cost a half million or so dollars; however, when the flood arrived they were not prepared to do anything about it.

Page 15: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Buckeye Farmers RallyBuckeye Farmers RallyBuckeye Farmers RallyBuckeye Farmers Rally

Newt Clanton circulated around a petition setting forthNewt Clanton circulated around a petition setting forth how much they would contribute to put the canal back in shape and repair the dam and headgates so they co ld get ater to their landscould get water to their lands.It took months to get the canal and dam in shape so that water was flowing in the canal.gUnfortunately, after a few years of normalcy, repeated rain in the summer of 1896 caused the canal to break frequentlyfrequently. The farmers were depended upon to fix the canal breaks and paid in water credits at $1.50 per day. These

f ld $0 50 $0 75 h d llwere often resold at $0.50 to $0.75 on the dollar.

Page 16: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Other Problems Due to RainOther Problems Due to RainOther Problems Due to RainOther Problems Due to Rain

Due to the frequency and intensity of rain, the desert was lush Due to the frequency and intensity of rain, the desert was lush b db dwith vegetation, with cattle up to their bellies in desert grasses with vegetation, with cattle up to their bellies in desert grasses

and weeds.and weeds.This provided for free feed for the cattlemen, the main This provided for free feed for the cattlemen, the main

f h B k ff h B k fcustomers of the Buckeye farmers. customers of the Buckeye farmers. This drove prices to ridiculous levels. This drove prices to ridiculous levels. One example is the sale of 60 acres of sorghum for $100, where One example is the sale of 60 acres of sorghum for $100, where p gp git normally would have fetched $800 to $1,000.it normally would have fetched $800 to $1,000.To remedy the situation, a bunch of farmers approached the To remedy the situation, a bunch of farmers approached the Buckeye Canal Company (who was again operating the canal) to Buckeye Canal Company (who was again operating the canal) to l h l f 2l h l f 2lease the canal for 2 years.lease the canal for 2 years.On October 5On October 5thth, 1899, Buckey O’Neill’s widow sold her interests , 1899, Buckey O’Neill’s widow sold her interests in the canal to an outfit in Fresno, California.in the canal to an outfit in Fresno, California.

Page 17: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Buckey’s HistoryBuckey’s Historyuc ey s sto yuc ey s sto y

Buckeye was a newspaperman, miner, county sheriff, mayor andBuckeye was a newspaperman, miner, county sheriff, mayor and most well known as Rough Rider.He made most of his fortune from Onyx mines in Mayer, AZ, but went broke trying to bring the railroad to the Grand Canyonwent broke trying to bring the railroad to the Grand Canyon.He led a Smithsonian expedition to explore the prehistoric Sinaguan ruin called "Montezuma's Castle" on Beaver Creek in the V d V llVerde ValleyHe was a captain with the Rough Riders and was shot to death at San Juan Hill in CubaJ“The Spanish bullet is not molded that will kill me."Legend says that these were Captain O'Neill's last words

Page 18: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Competition & TurnoverCompetition & TurnoverCompetition & TurnoverCompetition & Turnover

In 1899 the Arlington Canal Company was formed to water In 1899 the Arlington Canal Company was formed to water ddlands west of the Hassayampa.lands west of the Hassayampa.

On June 5, 1900 the canal and 3,000 acres of land was sold and On June 5, 1900 the canal and 3,000 acres of land was sold and became the Buckeye Canal and Land Company.became the Buckeye Canal and Land Company.Farmers under the People’s Ditch tried to get the Canal Farmers under the People’s Ditch tried to get the Canal Company to assume operations of this section of the South Company to assume operations of this section of the South Extension.Extension.In March of 1902, the canal was purchased by James R. Thorpe. In March of 1902, the canal was purchased by James R. Thorpe. He moved the office of the Wessex Water Company from He moved the office of the Wessex Water Company from Phoenix to Buckeye.Phoenix to Buckeye.W d l h li h h h ll f 40W d l h li h h h ll f 40Wessex constructed a telephone line through the valley for 40 Wessex constructed a telephone line through the valley for 40 miles that same yearmiles that same yearAngry farmers also tried to form the White Tanks Canal Angry farmers also tried to form the White Tanks Canal C i 1903C i 1903Company in 1903.Company in 1903.

Page 19: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

More FloodingMore FloodingMore FloodingMore Flooding

On August 1, 1904 the largest flood since 1891 hit the On August 1, 1904 the largest flood since 1891 hit the g , gg , gcanal when the Gila, Salt & Agua Fria all ran at the canal when the Gila, Salt & Agua Fria all ran at the same time and lasted until the middle of September.same time and lasted until the middle of September.The Dam had been damaged and work continued on itThe Dam had been damaged and work continued on itThe Dam had been damaged and work continued on it The Dam had been damaged and work continued on it from September until December 1.from September until December 1.Rain started again on New Year’ Eve 1905 and water Rain started again on New Year’ Eve 1905 and water

f h l il J 14f h l il J 14was out of the canal until June 14. was out of the canal until June 14. Luckily the crops did not suffer severely due to the Luckily the crops did not suffer severely due to the extensive and frequent rainfallextensive and frequent rainfallv qv qRain again in 1906 caused the Canal Company to block Rain again in 1906 caused the Canal Company to block the canal with a dirt dam 200 yards longthe canal with a dirt dam 200 yards long

Page 20: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

The Beginning of the BICThe Beginning of the BICThe Beginning of the BICThe Beginning of the BIC

February 28, 1907 farmers in the Buckeye Valley met at the February 28, 1907 farmers in the Buckeye Valley met at the y y yy y yBuckeye School House to discuss the possibility of acquiring the Buckeye School House to discuss the possibility of acquiring the canal. canal. Wessex & BIC appraised the canal system and negotiated a saleWessex & BIC appraised the canal system and negotiated a saleWessex & BIC appraised the canal system and negotiated a sale Wessex & BIC appraised the canal system and negotiated a sale at $92,900.at $92,900.September 23, 1907 the BIC changed the way they sold water September 23, 1907 the BIC changed the way they sold water from the inch to the acrefrom the inch to the acrefrom the inch to the acre.from the inch to the acre.In February 1908, the BIC negotiated with the White Tank Canal In February 1908, the BIC negotiated with the White Tank Canal Company to assume operation of the White Tank system.Company to assume operation of the White Tank system.In February 1909, the BIC changed the canal routing back to the In February 1909, the BIC changed the canal routing back to the original routing, adding 1 mile in length to the canal.original routing, adding 1 mile in length to the canal.

Page 21: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Home Sweet HomeHome Sweet HomeHome Sweet HomeHome Sweet Home

In 1910, the upper Zanjero house was constructed on 10 AcresIn 1910, the upper Zanjero house was constructed on 10 Acrespp jpp jMarch 7, 1911 the lot for the first office was purchased by BICMarch 7, 1911 the lot for the first office was purchased by BICApril 2, 1912 a home site for the lower Zanjero was approved April 2, 1912 a home site for the lower Zanjero was approved and built on 2 5 Acresand built on 2 5 Acresand built on 2.5 Acresand built on 2.5 AcresMarch 1913, the first automobile came into use by the BICMarch 1913, the first automobile came into use by the BICIn 1916 the BIC put a dam in the Agua Fria to divert water since In 1916 the BIC put a dam in the Agua Fria to divert water since the Gila was on a rampagethe Gila was on a rampageIn 1917 the Benson Allison Decree occurred that established the In 1917 the Benson Allison Decree occurred that established the rights of each individual piece of land to water and the date of rights of each individual piece of land to water and the date of g s o e c d v d p ece o d o w e d e d e og s o e c d v d p ece o d o w e d e d e osuch right.such right.In 1922 the BWCDD was formed as an irrigation and drainage In 1922 the BWCDD was formed as an irrigation and drainage district to help finance the new dam and to enlarge the canaldistrict to help finance the new dam and to enlarge the canaldistrict to help finance the new dam and to enlarge the canal.district to help finance the new dam and to enlarge the canal.

Page 22: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Let the Battles BeginLet the Battles BeginLet the Battles BeginLet the Battles Begin

1928 BIC filed suit against RID due to water rights and 1928 BIC filed suit against RID due to water rights and g gg gwon the suit of which RID pays for four wells annually.won the suit of which RID pays for four wells annually.1929 BIC sued SRP & MWD, with BIC getting 1% that 1929 BIC sued SRP & MWD, with BIC getting 1% that are released from Granite Reefare released from Granite Reefare released from Granite Reefare released from Granite ReefBeginning in 1940, the Buckeye Irrigation Company has been attempting to get local, state and federal agencies

i h bl h h T d S lto recognize the problems that the Tamarac and Salt Cedar trees pose to the valley, especially if a flood were to come down the Gila. These trees back up the water to the point that serious flooding could ensue.BIC sent CAP $1,600 in 1948 to fight California in the BIC sent CAP $1,600 in 1948 to fight California in the Arizona vs California lawsuitArizona vs California lawsuitArizona vs. California lawsuitArizona vs. California lawsuit

Page 23: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Well OffWell OffWell OffWell Off

1947 BIC ld th i 1% t Ph l1947 BIC ld th i 1% t Ph l D d i M i iD d i M i i1947 BIC sold their 1% to Phelps1947 BIC sold their 1% to Phelps--Dodge in Morenci in Dodge in Morenci in exchange for $50K and between $10 and $20 per ACexchange for $50K and between $10 and $20 per AC--FT for FT for four years. They took this and immediately started drilling wells.four years. They took this and immediately started drilling wells.Over subsequent years both drainage and irrigation wells wereOver subsequent years, both drainage and irrigation wells were drilled, with 24 wells in production by 1949. Due to the diminishing water in the river, in 1950, the Buckeye Irrigation Company decided to drill 14 new wells and bought aIrrigation Company decided to drill 14 new wells and bought a used well drilling rig. They also started a lateral lining program to reduce the amount of water lost to s eepageof water lost to s eepage. September 1950 saw the celebration of paying off its last bond and becoming debt free. After 43 years they finally were in the blackAfter 43 years, they finally were in the black.

Page 24: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

Filthy Rich in WaterFilthy Rich in WaterFilthy Rich in WaterFilthy Rich in Water

In 1966, Buckeye Irrigation Company acquired the right , y g p y q gto purchase 30,000 acre-foot of water per year from the City of Phoenix 91st Ave treatment plant. Delivery started in 1971 and has proved to be a boostDelivery started in 1971 and has proved to be a boost to the water delivery in the valley.Six floods in 1966, 1970, 1978 (2), 1979 & 1980,

d i ifi d hcaused significant damage to the system. The largest flood recorded 150,000 cubic feet per second or 6,000,000 miner’s inches. , ,That translates to 3.44 acre-feet per second or 1.12 million gallons per second.

Page 25: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

WaterWater--LoggedLoggedWaterWater LoggedLogged

April 1, 1948 Roy Decker of the Soil Conservation Service made April 1, 1948 Roy Decker of the Soil Conservation Service made d d d dd d d da survey of the watera survey of the water--logged lands and made a report that there logged lands and made a report that there

were 6,300 acres already water logged, and that 56,000 ACwere 6,300 acres already water logged, and that 56,000 AC--Ft of Ft of water would need to be removed annually to effectively drain the water would need to be removed annually to effectively drain the landslandslands.lands.In 1955 the water level elevation was dropping fast, 20 feet in In 1955 the water level elevation was dropping fast, 20 feet in three year in some spots, but the floods of the 60’s and 70’s and three year in some spots, but the floods of the 60’s and 70’s and the treated effluent made the Buckeye Valley waterthe treated effluent made the Buckeye Valley water logged againlogged againthe treated effluent made the Buckeye Valley waterthe treated effluent made the Buckeye Valley water--logged again.logged again.Arizona enacted the Ground Water Law in 1980 to accomplish Arizona enacted the Ground Water Law in 1980 to accomplish safe yield.safe yield.Legislation was brought forth to exempt Buckeye ArrlingtonLegislation was brought forth to exempt Buckeye ArrlingtonLegislation was brought forth to exempt Buckeye, Arrlington Legislation was brought forth to exempt Buckeye, Arrlington and St. Johns from the Phoenix AMA due to the waterand St. Johns from the Phoenix AMA due to the water--logging logging problem.problem.The exemption has been extended out to 2019The exemption has been extended out to 2019The exemption has been extended out to 2019.The exemption has been extended out to 2019.

Page 26: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

TodayTodayTodayToday

BWCDD BWCDD continues to divert water from the Gila River into our Main Canal. The South Extension Canal splits from the Main Canal near Citrus Road.The The District’s boundaries include the Main Canal to the North, h Gil Ri h S h C L h E d hthe Gila River to the South, Cotton Lane to the East and the

Hassayampa River to the West.BWCDD is over 22,000 acres.BWCDD is over 22,000 acres.At our peak, we sell 16,000 inches and deliver over 40 heads of water, while running 38 pumps.Some farmers will run from 500 to 1,000 inches for more than a

kweek.Because we divert “surface water” from the Gila, the water in the canal falls under the doctrine of prior appropriation.

Page 27: History of the Buckeye Canal.ppt - Buckeye Water Conservation

TodayTodayTodayToday

Prior Prior appropriation states; “first in time, first in right.” pp p ; , gThat is why the farmers have first right to the water in the canal.

d b d dAs As our farmland becomes developed, we are looking for ways to balance the needs of the farms and new homeowners.homeowners.We We are also looking at ways to streamline the community water sign-ups via a possible internet sign-up.District Assessments are now on the tax rollDistrict Assessments are now on the tax roll