The Arkansas River has water in it!!

[Bucksboy]

Does anybody know the reason we have water in the Arkansas River here in Garden City? Much to my surprise there has been water in the river bed now for perhaps two weeks! Does this have something to do with the lawsuit between Kansas and Colorado? I am sure all the people that have used the dry river bed as a four wheeler play area, are disappointed but I think it is great! Water in the river!! Now that is worth celebrating!

[SWKS]

probably releasing water from John Martin reservoir to make room for spring snow melt. Plus the irrigation ditches west of Garden may not be needing to divert water at this time.

[Bucksboy]

Well I think this is time to have a celebration!! This is the first time in the five years we have lived here that I have seen water in the Arkansas!!

[John Candle]

When I was young the Arkansas river had water all year around and could go swimming in it.  Then the mass irrigation began and the water was gone and the big old trees died and the wild life died and went away. It was a crime and still is a crime. The natural world dies , to meet human demand.

[Bucksboy]

I thought the culprit was John Martin Dam in Colorado. Is that not correct? I saw yesterday that there is no longer water in the river. Seeing all of those dead trees along the river bed is tragic that is for sure. I am sorry part of your childhood memories have disappeared in this manner.

[John Candle]

To find out more about mass pumping. Start with Giggot Irrigation and the sand hills on the south side of the river.  Many years ago when the mass pumping started.

[SWKS]

irrigation wells have little effect on river water.  You need to look at the irrigation ditches that divert the water before it gets to Garden City.