Irrigation in the Yakima Valley, Washington

Excerpts from the Letter of Transmittal: The Yakima Valley is the largest irrigated section in the State of Washington, and the development of that valley illustrates admirably the problem which will arise in other parts of that State and in other sections of the West. This report describes the canals and the methods which have been adopted for overcoming the various obstacles which have arisen in the development of this valley. It discusses the methods of construction, of preventing seepage losses, of preparing land for irrigation, and calls attention to the necessity of providing proper drainage for irrigated lands. It also gives the cost of producing crops and the yields and returns from agricultural operations. Some discussion of the legal questions and the necessity for further legislation is given. At present there is in the State of Washington a strong demand for legislation to encourage and aid irrigation development, and this report should prove of great value by showing the needs of the industry along this line, as well as being a valuable guide to new settlers by pointing out the best methods to be followed in reclaiming land.