Since the water company was experiencing many consumer complaints, Mr. Bracken suggested pumping the sand from at least one of the springs in an attempt to increase flow.
With the completion of a new well near the springs, the Las Vegas Land and Water Co. was going to use the water from one of the springs for irrigation.
The water shortage was causing concern for the railroad because low water levels caused the well to spew sand which was very bad for the trains. A new well was needed to increase supply of water.
Knickerbocker asks Bracken how much water the Las Vegas Land and Water Co. could use from the new artesian well to make sure they are qualified to appropriate all the water from it.