The Desert Blooms: Artesian Wells Transform Yakima Valley
A successful irrigation experiment promises to reclaim thousands of acres of arid land across Eastern Washington.
The Tacoma Ledger reports that the experiment of sinking artesian wells for irrigation purposes in Yakima County promises to be a great success. The first well is sending up a stream that has overflowed the county as far as the Yakima River, ten miles away. It has been estimated that the water supplies will irrigate 300 acres. An experienced engineer says if wells will irrigate an average of forty acres each, it will be very profitable to sink them. The Yakima country is favorably situated for artesian wells, so far as can be judged by its geological appearance, and this first test seems to prove that the appearances are not deceptive. If future experiments prove as satisfactory as this one, the matter will be of immense value to the state. Thousands of acres in Yakima, Douglas, Franklin, Klickitat, Adams, and Lincoln counties can be reclaimed and made fertile, which would otherwise remain of little value.
“The Yakima country is favorably situated for artesian wells... and this first test seems to prove that the appearances are not deceptive.”
This article highlights the dawn of large-scale irrigation, which fundamentally defined the agricultural identity of the Yakima Valley. Today, the management of these water resources remains a primary point of contention between environmental groups, agricultural interests, and tribal nations asserting treaty water rights.
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