112 IRRIGATION INVESTIGATIONS IN CALIFORNIA. 



In the first place, it is plain that here is a region now sparsely populated, and that 

 sparse population contending among themselves for the precious water which is the 

 life blood of their homes and farms, which might readily sustain tens of thousands. 



In the second place, it is equally plain that development has reached and perhaps 

 overstepped its limits under existing laws and methods. 



If, then, there is to be progress in the future, and if the potentialities of this 

 splendid valley are to be realized and placed within the reach of those who need them, 

 the laws which now ojjerate to repress and discourage enterprise must be changed 

 and the measures essential to larger progress must be provided. 



To a very large extent the work of reform and of constructive legislation which 

 is needed is wholly within the power of California itself. There are important things 

 to be done by the National Government, but these are comparatively simple, and 

 would naturally follow upon the adoption of a vigorous State policy. The most 

 important steps that might be suggested to the State are these: 



1. Creation of the office of State engineer. — The duty of this official should be as 

 follows: 



(a) To make measurements and calculations of the discharge of streams from 

 which water shall be taken for beneficial purposes, beginning with streams most 

 in use. 



(J) To collect facts and make suryeys to determine the most suitable location for 

 constructing works for utilizing water, and to ascertain the location of the lands best 

 suited for irrigation. 



(c) To examine reservoir sites and report to the State all facts ascertained, 

 including, wherever practicable, estimates of the cost of proposed irrigation works 

 and improvements. 



{d) To make plans looking to the apportionment of the State into several grand 

 divisions based on hydrographic lines as a foundation for a system of administration. 



{e) To make annual reports to the governor covering the operations of his 

 department and recommendations for needed legislation. 



The State engineer should have power to employ such assistance as he may need 

 in the performance of his duties. 



2. Creation ofboard of control. — This body should consist of the superintend- 

 ents of the several grand hydrographic divisions. The duty of the board should be 

 as follows: 



(«) To make regulations governing the distribution of water on the various 

 streams of the State. 



(J) To appoint water commissioners, with police powers, to supervise the 

 distribution of water in accordance with the regulations. 



(c") To cooperate with the State engineer in the general work of administration 



((f) To hear and pass upon all complaints arising from the administration of the 

 law in the various divisions of the State. The decisions of the board of control 

 would be subject to review by the courts. 



■l. Mddification of riparian rights. — ^The best use of the water resources of 

 California demands the modification or complete abolition of the doctrine of riparian 

 rights and the theory of private ownership in water apart from the right of use. 



