Development of Wells for Irrigation and Fluctuation of Water Levels in the High Plains of Texas to January 1951

摘要

Irrigation from wells in the High Plains of Texas was started in 1911. Development of the ground water supply progressed slowly until January 1937, when only 600 wells were in use. During 1937 the number of wells nearly doubled, and during the succeeding 6 years new wells were added at rates ranging from 120 to 480 wells a year. From 1943 to 1950, inclusive, the accelerated rate of drilling new wells was phenomenal. During that 7-year period, 11,550 irrigation wells were added, and the total number of wells in use on January 1, 1951, was about 14,500. This represents more than 85 percent of the wells used for irrigation in Texas during 1950.