The Search for Water in Horse Heaven
A deep-well irrigation success story promises a shift toward diversified farming in the arid lands above the valley.
The story, cleaned up
A cleaned-up reading of the newspaper page: spelling and layout repaired, one story lifted off a crowded page. It follows the original closely but it is not a transcription. The original page is below; read it if a detail matters.
A new well was completed recently by the Lands Company of Winthrop, Washington, and was drilled by George Rowe. The well is 256 feet deep and the water is being pumped by a 15-horsepower engine. The water stands at a depth of 244 feet. There are several wells in this section, but this is reported to be the best and is showing a large capacity for irrigation pumping. The well, just completed, has been leased to A. B. Farnsworth and is supplying an abundance of water for 100 head of cattle and 25 head of horses. If the water supply in other parts of the region is as satisfactory as this one, the company intends to bring a large portion of their lands under irrigation and move forward with development along diversified farming lines. Speaking of water possibilities in Horse Heaven, Mr. Rowe expressed much confidence in the success of future drilling projects.
“If the water supply in other parts is as satisfactory as this one, the company intends to bring a part of their lands under irrigation and to carry forward development along diversified farming lines.”
The struggle to tap deep aquifers in the Horse Heaven Hills remains a major driver of regional agricultural viability. While the methods have moved from 15-horsepower engines to high-efficiency electric pumping, the fundamental challenge of transporting water to these high-plateau lands continues to shape Kennewick's economic landscape.
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