WSP02127

• File Number: 8112.600
• Description: Arkansas White Red Basins Interagency Committee - AWRBIAC
• Basin: Arkansas
• Water Division: 2
• Date: 8/1/1976
• Title: Technical Memorandum - State Regional Futures and Problem Lists -- Activity 2 Phase II -- 1975 National Assessment --- part 1 of 3 -- Cover Page - page 134
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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of about 400,000 acres of cropland and pasture over the 1957 figures.
In Arkansas the total number of farms have decreased over the past
several years; however, the size of farms have steadily 'increased. The
amount of cash receipts from farm marketings almost doubled from 1962
to 1972, showing an increase from $769,411 in 1962 to $1,403,735 in
1972. Livestock and 1ivestock products accounted for about 48 percent
of the total cash receipts in 1972, while crops accounted for 52 percent.

Soybeans are the single-most important crop in Arkansas, with cotton
second, rice third and wheat fourth. Major crops, based on percentage of
total cash receipts from crop marketings in 1972 were as follows: soybeans,
41 percent; cotton lint 26 percent; rice, 20 percent; and wheat, 2 percent.

Agriculture is the single largest water using industry in the state.
accounting for more than one-half the total. .

2. Insofar as water management can, stabil i ze and expand the
economic base of rural communities.

3. Preserve the qual i ty of 1 i fe by supplyi ng adequate quantiti es
of water for wildlife needs and recreational purposes.

Key Water Problems

In the past Arkansas has had a seemingly endless water supply;
problems concerning water were usually due to flooding. However. in
recent years the character of Arkansas has been changing. What was once
a chi efly rural sta te with an agricultural economy is becomi ng more
urbanized and more dependent upon industry.

Agriculture has become more sophisticated with a large increase in
the use of water for irrigation. Urban areas and industry require that
large amounts be supplied within a relatively small area. These changes
in water use patterns are causing both local and widespread difficulty
in providing adequate amounts of quality water.

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