In the beginning when Yuma County was being made, Irrigation was being made and was apart of the Yuma Project. The population dealt with many struggles but in the end, had better lives due to the Yuma project and Irrigation.
Irrigation affected Yuma County in different ways, not all positively. Using irrigation, the population in Yuma was able to grow, the agriculture flourished, and the income due to crops grew. Not only did irrigation help in many ways, it also caused flooding. The Yuma County Water Users Association was established back in 1903. A year later the Secretary of Interior, Ethan A. Hitchcock authorized the Yuma Project. Due to the Yuma project, many companies formed in order to irrigate the lands of the Yuma Valley. “Reclamation, purchased the property of the local irrigation and ditch companies and maintained their operation until the project could supply water. The Irrigation and Improvement Co. fought Reclamation’s takeover through legal action...never went before the Court. Reclamation assumed control of the property the same year.” …show more content…
Due to the irrigation in 1909, 7,5000 acres of land was used for agriculture. As of 1930, 59,450 acres was used to make canals and in 2002, 44,832 acres was used for housing and business. Within 2 years of irrigation, farmers had spent 300,00 dollars for different equipment that would help them take care of their land.
Of course with the good comes the bad. Once irrigation started in Yuma, many gallons of water started flowing. In 1905, there was not enough dams or regulating gates so the water that flowed through moved too fast. A major flood took place and lasted until