WSP01896

• File Number: 8278.200
• Description: Title I - Welton - Mowhawk
• Basin: Colorado Mainstem
• Date: 9/1/1972
• Author: C.C. Taybor
• Title: Wellton-Mohawk Drainage and the Mexican Salt Problem
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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the ditch bank and howling. There is under construction in Mexicali Valley many

miles of conerete and bituminous lined. canals and open earth drains. (Figures

20a, b, c). This is a 6-year project (1969-74) and is costing some $130,000,000

(U.S.). This will reduce seepage losses, decrease irrigation well pumping and

improve drainage, Perhaps, Mexicali should thank Well ton-Mohawk for bringing

this project about, probably years earlier than it would have taken without this

impetus. It is to be hoped that land leveling, for better irrigation, and tile

lines, for better drainage, will follow.

Minute 241

However, this has not stopped the howling. President Echevveria has
called on President Nixon you know. This brought forth Minute 241 which provides
for bypassing most of the Well ton-Mohawk drainage for the rest of this year and
Mexico, with great show on June 26, had the MODE bifurcation gates closed and all
the drainage water by-passed. A state official of Baja California was quoted as
saying "We'd rather lose it than to use it." Of course , they're saving enough in

seepage from canals already lined to make up for this loss. My view is that they

are throwing good water away for political show, They could have mixed this with

river water through.July, August and September and still have better water than

they are paying $8,000 per year for at the Boundary Pumping Plant.
Quality Improvement, Well ton-Mohawk Wells

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Well ton-Mohawk drainage well water is

improving in quality (Figure 21) from 6500 ppm in 1969 to 4100 ppm in 1971 or a
little better than 200 ppm per year.
Quality Deterioration in Colorado River Water
Also, the quality of Colorado River water is getting worse (Figure 22).
This is subject all of its own. Salinity increases as the water comes down the

stream. You will note the increase at Imperial Dam from 693 ppm in 1945 to 894

in 1970 and, if nothing is done to stop it, 1300 ppm is predicted by the year

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