Memo from A. M. Folger to Walter R. Bracken about drill wells, June 12, 1945

OFFICE MEMO H.E.D. JUN 13 1945 Mr. Bracken: The meeting called by State Engineer was held this morning in City Hall, beginning at 10:00AM, on the protests of Las Vegas Land and Water Co. and R. B. -Griffith concerning respective applications to drill additional wells. Those present were: Mr. Hugh Shamberger, Asst. State Engineer. Mr. Harry Jameson, Clark County Water Supr. Mr. E. E. Bennett, for LVL&W Co. Mr. L. A. McNamee, for LBL&W Co. Mr. A. M. Folger, for LVL&W Co. Mr. R. B. Griffith. Mr. Ryland Taylor, representing Mr. Griffith. Mr. F. A. Rathbun, Sr. State Water Right Surveyor Mr. F. A. Rathbun, Jr. Shortly after the meeting was called to order by Mr. Shamberger, Attorneys McNamee and Taylor withdrew the protests on behalf of their respective clients, and in response to question Mr. Shamberger stated both applications would now be allowed. It was stated then that Mr. Filbey had filed an application to drill a well in the vicinity of Mr. Griffith's holdings, whereupon Mr. Griffith brought up the question of protesting any further drilling. He inquired of Mr. Shamberger how much water was now being taken out of the underground channel, to which Mr. Shamberger replied the study conducted by Messrs. Maxey of U. S. Geological Survey and Mr. Jameson of State Engineer's Office indicated about 35 million gallons per day. Mr. Griffith inquired what the recharge rate was, in other words how close we were coming to the capacity of the underground channel, to which Mr. Shamberger replied their studies had not yet been completed to the point where this couId be definitely determined, but unquestionably the channel had not been holding its own since 1942, as it had previously been doing since the 1920's. Mr. Griffith then stated that a great many applications had been granted in years past which were not at present in use but with the increased activity in the Valley no doubt a lot of these old approved applications would soon be placed to active use, and when that time came, how was his water rights going to be protected. Mr. McNamee advised him when that time came it would be up to the State Engineer, under the law, to administer the water. Mr. Griffith inquired whether the Las Vegs Land and Water Co. would be willing to retail water on his tract west of town if he withdrew his application and did not drill the well, as his grounds were within the city limits; that he proposed to subdivide his acreage into "estate homes" with one or two acres to go with each house. Mr. Folger advised him the Water Company had never gone into the irrigation business, and did not feel that they could do so and still furnish the city of Lag Vegas with an adequate supply of water for domestic use. Mr. Shamberger then inquired whether the Water Company would furnish water to the people residing on Bonanza road, as the old Russel well was not furnishing sufficient water to supply pressure or fire protection. The same reply was offered to this suggestion, but Mr. Rathbun, who lives on Bonanza Road, stated the people there would be satisfied if the Water Co. furnished only water for domestic use, and the existing well could be used for such irrigation as was necessary. Mr. Bennett suggested it was undesirable to have two sources of water in the same tract, and it would be impossible to control the use of water for irrigation from City mains without the use of meters. It was then suggested that the Water Company deliver water thru master meter to the residents of Bonanza Road, they to form their own water company. This subject is not yet closed, and we will undoubtedly hear further regarding it. Mr. Griffith suggested the Water Company could conserve considerable water by a campaign of education among the people on the proper manner in which to water a lawn; that he had recently installed a sprinkler system on the lawn in front of his ranch house, and turns it on 8 to 10 miutes three times per day, and this furnishes ample water for his lawn. He suggested we contact the University of Nevada for an Agricultural expert to address the Mesquite Club, womens' organizations, the Chamber of Commerce and other civic groups, outlining the proper manner of watering lawns, and that the Chamber of Commerce would be glad to sponsor such a campaign. The idea was thought to be a good one, as there is plenty of room for education along this line. A. M. Folger, June 13, 1945.