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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 28Table 5
MEXICO'S ORDER UNDER TREATY
Special Studies - Delivery of Water to Mexico
Calendar Year 1958 Calendar Year 1959 Calendar Year 1960 Calendar Year 1961 Calendar Year 1962
Month Total Acre-Feet Average Cfs Total Acre-Feet Average Cfs Total Acre-Feet Average Cfs Total Acre-Feet Average Cfs Total Acre-Feet Average Cfs
January 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,370 900 72,964 1,186 121,607 1,977
February 50,020 900 50,013 900 51,799 900 77,404 1,395 63,235 1,139
March 128,360 2,087 92,284 1,501 175,613 2,855 208,406 3,389 202,677 3,296
April 225,530 3,790 241,284 4,055 246,323 4,140 191,721 3,222 207,541 3,488
May 115,170 1,873 143,041 2,326 122,871 1,998 119,473 1,943 114,715 1,865
June 253,080 4,253 194,323 3,266 213,621 3,590 169,339 2,846 162,548 2,732
July 271,550 4,415 284,285 4,623 271,986 4,423 216,036 3,513 203,920 3,316
August 273,970 4,455 289,330 4,705 245,176 3,987 205,941 3,349 170,119 2,766
September 162,620 2,733 185,745 3,122 152,916 2,570 114,391 1,923 89,308 1,501
October 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,371 900
November 53,590 900 53,585 900 53,585 900 53,585 900 53,588 900
December 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,370 900 55,371 900
Total Acre-Feet 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,700,000 1,540,000 1,500,000Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,493,439 byte
Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 440.26 to 1.29 cubic feet per second per foot of head. The specific yield ranged from 10 to 18.5 percent and averaged 15 percent. The average value for the specific yield was checked by computing the volume of water removed from storage in the actual cone of depression of pumped well 8s-17W-12ccc. A value of 15 percent was thus obtained.
The value of vertical permeability ranges from 2.72 x 10-6 to 25.6 x 10-6 feet per second per foot of head.
3. Ground water in storage. The saturated thickness of the Wellton-Mohawk Aquifer was mapped by superimposing the water table map for October 1962 on a contour map of the base of the gravel zone. (See Drawing No. 998-300-4.) The volume was then determined by sectionalizing the aquifer transversely into 12 segments. The area of each section was calculated on the end section theory. On the basis of an aquifer length of 45 miles, the aquifer was computed to be about 6,900,000 acre-feet. The amount of water in storage in the aquifer is dependent upon the porosity or ratio of the aggregate volume of the interstices or voids to the total volume of the aquifer. At present writing, laboratory determinations of porosity are under way but as yet are incomplete. Pending the results of this work, estimates of 30, 35, and 40 percent are used, and estimates of water in storage in the Wellton-Mohawk aquifer are as follows:
Volume of Aquifer (Acre-Feet) Porosity (Percent) Water in Storage (Acre-Feet)
6,900,000 30 2,070,000
6,900,000 35 2,410,000
6,900,000 40 2,760,000
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 48Crop consumptive use in 1961 accounted for about 247,000 acre-feet, or 4.30 acre-feet per acre, leaving about 160,000 acre-feet, or 2.9 acre-feet per acre available for deep percolation. During water year 1962, discharge of the 61 drainage wells totaled 208,000 acre-feet, which was discharged from the area through the concrete-lined conveyance channel. The drainage pumping, consumptive use by phreatophytes, and other nonbeneficial uses resulted in an average decline in the water table of about 2.7 feet, or on the basis of an average specific yield of 15 percent and a gross area of the aquifer of 100,000 acres, the decrease in ground-water storage was about 40,000 acre-feet. Table 8 shows the water balance for the period October 1961 through September 1962 (water year 1962). Based on consumptive use by phreatophytes and other nonbeneficial uses of 44,000 acre-feet, the unmeasured inflow to the Wellton-Mohawk aquifer was about 56,000 acre-feet during water year 1962. An annual consumptive use by phreatophytes of 19,000 acre-feet was estimated by engineers of the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation District using appropriate constants in the Blaney-Criddle formula.
Table 9 shows the diversions, estimated crop consumptive use and drainage pumping by months during water year 1962. Crop consumptive use is based on the 1961 crop census, as the 1962 census is not yet available.
In 1961, approximately 8,000 acres were irrigated on the Wellton-Mohawk Mesa which lies at an elevation ranging up to 100 feet above the irrigated lands along the flood plain of the Gila River. Because of the coarser-textured soils on the mesa lands, larger
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 72100 grams, and the surface charge density ranges from 1.27 x 10-7 meq. per cm2 to 2.32 x 10-7. Beidellite is the principal clay mineral, ranging between 30 and 50 percent. Illite is the second most importanticlay mineral, ranging from 15 to 30 percent. Montmorillonite ranges from 5 to 15 percent. Kaolinite, quartz and calcite make up the bulk of the balance.
The deltaic soil group is also highly calcareous and very slightly more alkaline than the lacustrine soils. Four profiles out of eight had pH values of 9.0 or more in the subsoil. The weighted average conductivity of the saturation extract for the upper 5 feet ranges between 4.7 and 19.6. For the upper 1 foot these values range between 4.8 and 49.6. Gypsum occurs in 6 of the 8 profiles tested and appears to be located mostly in the upper two feet. Values range from 0 to 16.0 meq. per 100 grams soil. Gypsum requirements are generally higher than in the lacustrine group, with a maximum of 6.2 meq. per 100 grams of soil in the sample tested. The total surface area ranges from 108 to 280, with the ratio of internal to external surface area ranging from 1.41 to 1.84. Cation exchange capacity ranges from 14.0 to 52.0 meq. per 100 grams soil, and the surface charge density ranges from 1.43 x 10-7 meq. per cm2 to 2.19 x 10-7. Beidellite is the principal clay mineral ranging between 25 and 45 percent. Illite is second in importance, ranging from 15 to 30 percent. Montmorillonite accounts for 10 to 17 percent. Kaolinite, quartz, and calcite account for the majority of the remainder.
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 76sodium percentage that can be induced is about 11 percent. Most soils would equilibrate at exchangeable sodium percentages less than 11 percent because of their higher surface-charge density. As previously shown the Mexicali Valley soils could tolerate ESP levels as high as 20 percent, hence it is concluded that the proposed water deliveries will not cause deleterious effects on soil physical conditions. Moreover, it is apparent from consideration of the clay mineral composition, surface-charge densities, and the electrolyte concentration of the water that the Mexicali Valley soils could be irrigated with waters having an SAR value up to about 15 without causing serious problems.
At the present time the exchangeable sodium percentage of the top foot of soil was found to be within the following ranges: Lacustrine soils 2.9-19.7, deltaic soils 2.7-19.2, and alluvial soils 1.9-8.7. Under good drainage conditions it can be expected that the higher range of values shown would be reduced with continuous use of the water proposed to be delivered. Also it can be concluded that the high values now observed in some of the soils were not caused directly by use of Colorado River water.
In summary, the water to be delivered to Mexico under the proposed program will not have any deleterious effect on soil productivity insofar as exchangeable sodium levels are concerned.
The results of laboratory studies and field observations show that excessive salinity occurs in scattered areas throughout the Mexicali Valley but is most common in the western two-thirds of the valley. The mean salinity level in the 5-foot profile, as
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 84PART VI. PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT
A. General
The plan of development described below and recommended in this report is engineeringly feasible and is in accordance with the directives contained in Senate Report No. 2178. Briefly, the overall ultimate plan for alleviating the peak salt concentrations in water delivered to Mexico is based on selective pumping in the Wellton-Mohawk, South Gila Valley and Yuma Valley areas. In order to meet the President's deadline for alleviating the saline concentrations at Morelos Dam by October 1963 the proposed work is scheduled in three phases. Phase 1 construction (to be completed by October 1963) is confined to the Wellton-Mohawk area and comprises new well installations and related collection and electrical facilities, installation of tile drainage within selected areas, installing five wasteways, and the remodeling of the drainage conveyance channel. Phase 2 construction includes an additional conveyance channel, levee, and floodway works in the Wellton-Mohawk area; 12 wells, collection channels, and reconstruction of the existing Gila River pilot channel in the South Gila Valley; and remedial measures to reduce gate leakage at Imperial Dam. Phase 3 construction will comprise wells, a collection system, electrical transmission facilities, and an underground evacuation conduit near the escarpment on the east side of the Yuma Valley. This work can be started when studies are completed and congressional approval is obtained. Details of contemplated work and operations are given below for each of the proposed phases.
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 98Table 19
WELLTON-MOHAWK PROJECT DIVERSIONS
CROP USE AND DRAINAGE PUMPING REQUIREMENTS
Under Full Project Development - 75,000 Acres
Special Studies - Delivery of Water to Mexico
Month Diversions Acre-Feet Crop Consumptive Use 1 Acre-Feet
Oct. 33,634 21,982
Nov. 23,278 10,834
Dec. 15,150 5,987
Jan. 12,266 5,118
Feb. 23,132 9,043
Mar. 40,254 17,430
Apr. 51,717 27,260
May 60,952 36,428
June 62,851 41,246
July 59,419 48,160
Aug. 61,962 43,634
Sept. 49,125 32,878
Total 493,740 300,000 2
1 Based on ratio of actual irrigated acreage under full development to 1961 acreage = 1.217 x 1962 diversions.
2 Limited to 300,000 acre-feet per year by Public Law 272.
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Special Studies: Delivery of Water to Mexico
No full textUnited States Department of Interior, Stewart L. Udall, Secretary, Bureau of Reclamation, Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner, Region 3, A.B.West, Regional Director, "Special Studies, Delivery of Water to Mexico", February, 1963, page 106contemplate water bypassing Morelos Dam. As such bypassing is contrary to the congressional directives under which this report was prepared, neither alternative has been considered herein.
6. Use of Wellton Mesa Drainage Water. The panel suggested that due to the relatively low dissolved solids content of the mesa's drainage water, tile be placed on the Wellton Mesa and the drainage water thus collected be transported directly to the conveyance channel. Because of the depth to water on a large portion of the mesa lands, it is not considered feasible at this time to install tile drains as they would be, for the most part, inoperative for an undetermined number of years and, consequently, do not afford a foreseeable remedy for the salinity problem. There is a better hydraulic connection between the mesa and valley lands than was originally contemplated, and some areas of the mesa may never require tile drainage. Additional observations and studies over a period of time are necessary before the actual time of need, effectiveness, and discharge of tile drains on the Wellton Mesa can be determined.
C. Changes in Cropping Pattern
The distribution system of the Wellton-Mohawk Irrigation and Drainage District is designed to serve a net irrigable acreage of 75,000 acres. At the present time approximately 63,000 acres are assessed operation and maintenance charges. of this amount approximately 57,000 acres (including double-cropped acres) were irrigated in 1961. Under the present cropping pattern a twelve-month irrigation and a twelve-month drainage pattern must be followed. It is felt that a change in the cropping practices of the Wellton-Mohawk
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The Colorado River Study
No full textDocument: Department of the Interior Information Sheet, "Paper By Floyd E. Dominy, Commissioner of Reclamation, Department of the Interior, for Delivery at the American Water Works Association Conference in Detroit, Michigan, June 7, 1961," June 7, 1961, page 2The Colorado river flows between Arizona and California into Mexico and the Gulf of California, but its headwaters are 1,400 miles upstream in the high mountain country of Colorado. It drains an area of 242,000 square miles--one-twelfth of the area of the continental United States--and 2,000 square miles in Mexico. The Salton Sea Basin, below sea level, in southern California which includes the fertile Coachella and Imperial Valleys is outside the natural drainage basin of the Colorado River but is dependent on the river for its entire water supply. The vast metropolitan area of southern California also receives a major share of its water supply by pumping from the Colorado through a 300 mile aqueduct.
The Colorado River Basin has a lower average rate of precipitation than any other river basin in the Nation except for a few closed basins without outlet to the sea. However, the annual precipitation varies widely in different parts of the basin. Along the Mexican border near its mouth it averages only about 2.5 inches while in the higher mountains in Colorado, Wyoming, and Utah, the average is around 40 inches. The runoff of the river also varies greatly, not only from season to season but from year to year. For example, the maximum yearly runoff at Lees Ferry, which is the division point between the upper and lower basins, was in 1917 when 21,825,000 acre-feet of water was recorded. Contrast this with 1934 when the minimum flow of record was only 4,397,000 acre-feet. For you uninitiated, an acre-foot represents 325,850 gallons of water.
The low average precipitation and the rugged terrain that characterize much of the Colorado River Basin account for the relatively slow development rate of the past. The average population density in the basin is only about one-tenth of the national average.
In this basin agriculture and irrigation are almost synonymous. Successful crop production, with reliance only upon rainfall, is of negligible importance. Yet most irrigation developments are relatively costly and complex.
With one or two notable exceptions, the larger irrigation undertakings have required participation of the Federal Government through the Bureau of Reclamation. Great strides have been made in the half century of Federal participation but the job is still far from completed.
It is natural that irrigation in the Colorado River Basin began on the largest scale in the broad fertile valleys near the river's mouth in California and Arizona where a year-round growing season prevails. It was a simple matter to divert the water from the rim of the Imperial Valley for the irrigation of lands on the valley floor which is below sea level. As irrigation expanded, however, problems multiplied.
In 1905 the Colorado, swollen by flood waters from the Gila, broke through a cut in its bank and for 16 months poured its entire flow into the Imperial Valley causing millions of dollars in damage. By great effort the break was repaired and the river returned to its regular course.
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Technical Points Outlined by Bureau of Reclamation
No full textFrom W.E. Walker, to T.R., April 27, 1965, page 2-2-
Except in the wording of advance notices for requests by Mexico for discharges above the dam. This Section proposes "as far in advance as practicable", which will have to be worked out with Mexico. The Bureau Engineers propose "sufficiently in advance"--this implies a unilateral determination which cannot be.
C. Measurement of flows and salts above boundary section In Agreement
D. Arrangements with Yuma County Water Users In Agreement
E. Control flows to average 900 cfs when Mexico requests Minimum In Agreement
F. Coordination of Pumping to minimize salinity to Mexico
(1) During period October 1-February 10--pump maximum rate of 353 cfs and more saline wells In Agreement
(2) During period February 11 to September 30-- when all or portion of drain waters are discharged above Morelos:
a) Pumping be coordinated to minimize salinity to Mexico Agreement Pending
To assure understanding of this statement in the Minute, this Section proposes to add wording: "by pumping more saline wells when deliveries are high and less saline wells when deliveries are low as practiced during period February 11 through September 30, 1964." The point is if wells cannot be operated as well in 1964, we have no solution.
Bureau Engineers oppose understanding as restricting their operations.
(Table in earlier U. S Section draft is omitted in this draft, but only if above provision and others under F are included.)
b) Total quantity of salts discharged not exceed total quantity during same period in 1964 with certain exceptions In Agreement
c) Total quantity of salts to decrease as salinity of wells and drains decrease Understood to be In Agreement Except Wording
This understanding is implied in Minute.
This is same understanding stated in Interior's letter to Senator Hayden of February 17, 1965.Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 2,889,074 byte