WSP10994

• File Number: 8210.470
• Description: Pacific Southwest Interagency Committee
• State: CO
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Water Division: 5
• Date: 3/1/1962
• Author: PSIAC
• Title: Stock Water Facilities Guide - March 1962
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

001499
area advice on spr ing development is readily available from specialists
in the State universities, the Forest Service, Soil Conservation Service,
Agr icultu ralResearch S erv ice, Geolog ical Survey, and other agencies.

Expanding the service area of springs by use of pipeline probably
has not received the consideration it merits. Use of plastic pipe with its
lower cost for both purchase and installation has greatly increa$ed the
possibilities in this regard. An important facto:r connected with installa-
tion is that plastic pipe is not readily subject to failure by freezing. As
indicated previously, any spring with a dependable yield in excess of 1-2
gpm generally will have a surplus supply over that needed in the immedi-
ate vicinity. By use of pipeline, this surplus can be used in establishing
additional range water facilities when conditions are favorable for distri-
bution. Assuming that stock water supplies are to be spaced at 1-3 mile
intervals, use of pipelines becomes feas ible when the 'cost of a pipel ine of
this length is less than the cost of an alternative supply, such as develop-
ment of a well or construction of a stock pond. Furthermore, distribution
by pipelines or hauling may be the only means by which water can be pro-
vided in some localities. S i z e of plastic pipe needed for distribution
and the method and cost of installing pipelines are available from manu-
facturers and engineering handbooks so that cost compar isons with other
types of water development can be made.

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Ordinarily, distribution by pipeline is considered feasible only
with gravity flow but in some instances a moderate pump lift to place
water at a desirable location for gravity flow may be entirely practicable.
Methods of pumping and costs for this type of pumping are also available
from handbooks or engineering texts, thus making it pos sible to compare
distribution in this manner with other methods of supplying water.

Hauling water from springs where surplus supplies are available
is attaining greater importance due to the extension and improvement of
ra,nge roads, and increased efficiency of hauling equip,ment, and to other
advantages relative to both the range and the livestock. Additional details
on hauling water are given in a later section.

In most States, unu sed supplies of surplus flow from springs are
legally available for use in other locations even though the spring is located
on privately owned land, provided proper easements and right-of-way are
obtained. This ruling is based on the principle that water is the property
of the State and is available for individual use only where it is legally
appropriated and so long as it is, properly us ed. Thus, unu sed or improp-
erly used water can often be claimed regardless of its origin or location.