Interstate Water Problems and Their Solution

The growth and future prosperity of the arid States rest primarily upon the efficient use of the waters of the Western rivers which are a common resource, interstate in character. The use and re-use of these waters from their sources down, is imperative to self-preservation of the States and the welfare of the Nation. Water consumption in the Western United States has attained that stage of development wherein such uses in one or more States frequently give rise to fear of encroachment on the use in adjoining States. Under such conditions wherein the sovereignty of two or more States or nations comes in conflict, it is readily seen that there may be fruitful ground for trouble. The problem is one between States equal in powers and with equal rights of self-preservation, and not one between mere private users whose rights are derived from their respective States.