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002314 . . . CHAPrER II BASES FOR f.NALYSIS be a source of supplemental vater. indicated, however, that the water entirely unsuitable for irrigation and crops. Chemical analysis of water samples has a high sodium content and would be use and would be injurious to both soils Artesian vater is used for domestic purposes in part of the Juniper unit area. Because of a limited catchment area, however, it is doubtful if any extensive development of this groUlld water could be made. Quality of water Water is of excellent quality for irrigation on practically all streams of the Yampa-White project area. The water is pure in the upper reaches of the watershed where flows originate principally from sno=elt on crystalline and other hard rock formations. Some sediments and silts are contributed in the lower areas from sof't sedimentary formations. Return flow from irrigation entering the lower r~aches of the str-eams tends to increar;e the diesolved solid content of th~ water. Under present conditions, ho~v~r, th~se se~ts and soluble materials do not enter the streams in sufiicieat quantities to damage crops. The generally high quali ty of the water in the area as a whole is indicated by its long and successful use for irrigation. Water flowing from the high watershed areas is generally satisfactory for domestic use. Water of lower streams would require some treatment for satisfactory culinary use. Water requirements The quantity of irrigation water that_~uld be consumed on unit lands was estimated by the Blaney-Criddle methoaY with the use of local clima- tological factors. An estimate was first made of the per acre consumptive use requirement for each area to be served. Allowances then were made for effective precipitation to determine the amount of water required from irrigation. To arrive at the stream diversion requirements, estimates were made of canal and lateral losses and of probable farm losses under reasonably efficient irrigation practices. The estimated amounts were then added to the consumptive use requirements for irrigation water. Requirements for all units of the project were estimated by the same gen- eral method, Points on the potential distribution systems at which the requirements are effective differ for the various units, however, because Y Blaney, Harry F., and Criddle, ~Iayne D., Determining Water Requirements in Irrigated Areas ~ Climatological and Irrigation Data, published by Soil Conservation Service, United States Department of p~riculture, August 1950. 17