The Teton watershed : impact of economically efficient utilization of available irrigation water supply

Abstract

This study is concerned with agricultural uses presently being made of the diverted waters of the Teton River in the Choteau, Bynum, Agawam, and Farmington areas. The study indicates how the attitudes, physical activities, and economic responses are affected by the limited availability of this natural resource. The area referred to in the above paragraph lends itself admirably to the practice of irrigated farming with a minimum of capital outlay, but to maximize economic returns the limited irrigation water supply must be utilized in an efficient manner. Institutional determinants are of great significance and influence how the water is utilized. Historic research, personal interviews, and questionnaires were used to obtain information which provided the data for determining the forces influencing present land usage and an insight into the psychological factors which have had a marked effect upon development of institutions. Soil Conservation and District Court Records have been resorted to in determining standards to be used for comparison purposes and of establishing rights of use. The resistance to technical advancement in the area of more efficient utilization of the limiting input factor in the maximization of income can be overcome through educational information made available to the operator. This information should be designed not only to establish the economic benefits that can accrue as a result, but also to enhance personal and psychological improvements as to leadership, prestige, importance, power, and personal satisfaction. A plan of consolidation and cooperation of .existing facilities and rights, based upon a goal of technical and economic efficiency has been set forth. This plan will result in technical and economic improvements that will increase the beneficial use of the diverted waters of the Teton River, due to increased efficiency and returns to scale.