The water fights have begun…not with the farmers but the subdivision people and the ditch company. I am so thankful I am not a ditch rider (although, there was a time I would have enjoyed being a ditch rider.)
So many people don’t understand what ‘priority rights’ mean—nor do they want too. They also don’t understand that the water levels are way, way, way below normal in Taylor and Blue Mesa Reservoir. Drinking water and farm water comes first.
Sort of sad really.
The water is still three miles from us. It will be that way until sometime next week. There are so many canals, laterals, and ditches that have to be cleaned and flushed before the water gets to us — we are close to last on our mesa before the water heads into the river.
Since the water is not as close as we thought we have been able to slow down the pace some and get caught up. A nice little gift of time.
Terry is calling Monday to see when they think the water will get here. Once it’s here and the head gate is unlocked (and locked back at 50%) we will hit the ground running.
Nothing like the life of a cat, is there?
Linda
Life on a Colorado Farm 
Sounds like the water is taking its time getting to you all –but as you said, the ditches have to be cleaned out first… I know you will be ready and happy once it is there.
I can understand why drinking water and farming is a priority… What are the sub-division people wanting—water for their lawns????? GADS!
Hope you all have a wonderful Sunday and can get out and do something FUN.
Hugs,
Betsy
LikeLike
Your cat definitely knows how to relax and make the most of the moment. I hope the water gets to you as scheduled.
LikeLike
I love summer but hate irrigating season. I’m first on the ditch, get the least amount of water and one user makes my life difficult. Our water probably won’t come on till next month. Decreed water will be first and contract water, which is what I have, will come when the water commissioner has enough requests to open the head gate at the basin.
Hope yours gets to you in good time. Maybe it will rain before. Wet ground makes the irrigating water go a lot further!
LikeLike
oh, that has got to be distressing (the fighting for rights!) yikes! yup, i’d prefer to chill out like that cat or my dogs. 🙂
LikeLike
Indeed a kitty laying in the sunshine is a a beautiful thing!
LikeLike
I hope that summer brings more water for a lot of people in the south. Drought over would be nice words to hear for you folks! Cats sure do have the life!
LikeLike
I’m glad farmers get the priority. Hopefully people can act civilized about it.
LikeLike
I’m curious how subdivision people would use ditch water. Do they flood irrigate their lawns? I saw that done when I was in the Balmorrhae area of Texas. It’s a strange, wasteful concept, though in their case the water was just eventually headed to a big lake where it evaporated. At least in California and Colorado our water is renewable if there’s enough precipitation in the winter. In the middle of the U.S., where they pump a finite amount of well water, it could be a huge problem some day soon. It always gripes me when everyone spends so much time worrying about who marries who and relatively none on things that matter.
LikeLike
So, when you say the subdivision people are fighting, does that mean they have a gate that won’t be opened this season? How does that work? Inquiring minds want to know… 😉
Enjoy a little rest…but not for long!
LikeLike
Everyone wants water..I see so much wasted irrigation on lawns. A healthy lawn needs one inch of rain per week..other than that you are creating shallow roots that will always water stress. If everyone would just keep track..they would realize that they could get by on less water. I used to measure the rain and mark it on the calender..and measure if we had to sprinkle the gardens early in the morning..and we never ever water our grass..sometimes it looks real ratty..oh well.
I hope everyone gets in the right frame of mind soon:)
LikeLike
Water in your area is crucial. When it’s in short supply things get tenser yet. On top of ll this there is never ending work.
LikeLike
What a Cat!:) ya gotta love ’em.
LikeLike
Hopefully you’ll get the rain you need if there’s a shortfall. I don’t think I’d want to be a ditch rider…..I’ve seen some of the things they have to deal with 😦
LikeLike
I hope things get smoothed over quickly.
Have a blessed weekl ♥
LikeLike
good morning, thanks for stopping by on wrap your troubles in dreams! sorry for my question but where does the water come from? and does it just flood everyhing? thats a new concept to me. here in israel it just does not rain in summer so people use drip irigation. in germany, where i come from it just rains once in a while, also in summer. vey hard to imagine after over 2 years in burning hot israel… i used to not like rain very much, now i do.
LikeLike
I have to visit Wiki or Mr Google to find out what a ditch rider is. (I need that book ;>)!)
LikeLike