has led to clearing and straightening of headwater channels 

 to effect more rapid flow into the larger rivers. 



As a consequence some headwater areas have been deprived 

 of a number of beneficial uses of water. The streams and 

 small bodies of water do not contribute as much as formerly 

 to the underground water store, and therefore to the pump- 

 ing supply. In many areas less surface fresh water is avail- 

 able for domestic and industrial use and for the watering of 



DEVILS LAKE 

 NORTH DAKOTA 

 SHORE LINES 



1883 & 1928 



Figure 33. 



stock. The diminished volume of flow in the rivers during 

 the dry season is less 'able to carry and digest sewage and 

 other waste, and the problem of pollution is aggravated. 

 Less water is available for individual-farm, supplementary 

 irrigation. Fish and wildfowl have disappeared from many 

 areas which were once their natural habitat. Water facilities 

 for community recreation have diminished, and the scenic 



37 



