The division of water is somewhat unique. As long as there is a 
supply in the ditch and the reservoirs are not taking it for storage, the 
stockholders have what is called "free" water, and do account of its 
ose or distribution is kept; hut when the reservoirs begin to supply 
the demand a conservative estimate is made of the amount of water in 
the lakes available for use, and this amount is divided equally among 
tin 1 2,001 shares, and each stockholder is credited with his amount in 
cubic feet. An accurate account is kept of the amount each stock- 
holder draws, and thi> is charged to him. lie is permitted to draw 
the full amount as soon as he pleases. When the estimated amount 
has been drawn off, if there is water in the lake another credit is made 
as before, and the additional amount can then he demanded. By this 
system economy is encouraged, a high duty is obtained, and the easy 
rotation of crops and the planting of whatever seems best are made 
possible. It eliminates also many causes of controversy. 
In acquiring its reservoirs the Consolidated Home Supply Company 
purchased in 1881, with $6,000 worth of its stock, the Lone Tree site. 
The company expended $12,000 on its dam and $10,000 on its tunnel 
and outlets. (PI. IV.) It has a priority dated August 31, 1881, for 
400,000,000 cubic feet. To acquire the Mariano Lake the company 
paid $6,000 for the land and right of way through the Rist Ditch, 
agreeing to enlarge and maintain it for its use. It expended £4,000 
on the dam and outlet. (PI. V.) The lake has a priority dated Octo- 
ber 1, 1875, amounting to 180,865,000 cubic feet. With riprapping 
and other expenses, the cost of both reservoirs was certainly not over 
$50,000; this expenditure has increased values of shares probably *1<hi 
each, a total of $200,100, and has increased the value of the 18,000 
acres irrigated probably $20 per acre, or $360,000 — all of which goes 
to show the value of reservoir water. 
In 1901 the distribution of water from the reservoirs began on June 
1; a number of days of ;; free" water intervened, but from that time 
to the end of the season water was run continuously from one or both 
of the reservoirs. It was stated by the secretary that as much reser- 
voir water was used in September as in June, and that the tendency 
for a number of years has been to use the water later each year. He 
also stated that the expenses of repair, maintenance, and distribution 
would not exceed S2, 000 per year, or about 11 cents per acre irrigated, 
and with the value of rights at $150. allowing 6 per cent interest, the 
total cost per year per acre would amount to about $1. 
The Mariano Lake discharges its water into the river, the discharge 
being limited by the amount to which the ditches below are at the 
time entitled by their priorities. The ditch takes from the river 
above a like amount, thus enabling its owners to use the water in the 
regular way. and the effect is the same as though the reservoir were 
at the head of and above the ditch. The capacity of Mariano Lake is 
