Appraisal Report Central Arizona Project

Document: "Appraisal Report Central Arizona Project-Chapter I", January 1962, page 10Other important consequences of the prevailing water shortages result from the uncertainty such shortages inject into the farmer's cropping plans. Under these uncertain conditions the farmers tend to limit their rotation programs to crops promising a high-value, short-term return and eliminate soil-building crops such as alfalfa because they require more water than may be available or profitable. These uncertain water conditions also introduce an element of risk into the farmer's long-term plans, as orchards and livestock enterprises are particularly vulnerable to water shortages. The Central Arizona Project area does now possess, and with an adequate water supply would continue to possess, many advantages in the production and marketing of agricultural products. The long growing season, a wide crop-adaptability, high land fertility, and an ever-expanding nearby market, are some of these advantages. At the present time, new land is being developed in outlying ground-water basins removed from previous development in response to the landowners' desire to capitalize on these advantages. This development is extending the already overburdened water supplies, and is adding to the overall water supply problem. Unless additional water supplies are made available, presently developed lands will be forced out of production at an accelerating rate and economic disaster could result. A positive solution to the water problems of the area is needed because of the pressures being exerted by the ever-increasing population. Municipal expansion, highways, and other nonagricultural uses have encroached upon the Salt River Project lands, and the area diverted from agriculture is expected to increase in the future as the population grows. To save the existing diversified agricultural economy, as well as the lifeblood of an expanding municipal and industrial base, positive action is essential. The area's water 10Epson Perfection 4870 Photo, 400 dpi, 8 bit, 1,098,977 byte