As the Water Runs: Irrigation, Canals, and Ponds

Oakdale could not be without its produce, and the fields on and with which this produce is grown are thirsty beyond comparison, necessitating the formulation of an expansive array of water-supplying, water-catching, water-distributing and water-farming systems. These systems are many and complex. They involve well-thought out plans for utilizing water in the most efficient way possible.

In some cases, canals carry water to all of its necessary destinations, and these canals take many forms. Some are well-dug, intentionally-constructed and relatively permanent concrete structures, sometimes taking a prominent V-shape, and angled to ferry its liquid contents from its point of earth-contact to its resting home in the earth once again. Others are less clearly-defined and meander in amorphous, sometimes-curvilinear shapes on their way to deposit their water in the ground. Even other water systems clandestinely supply their beneficial nutrients via underground water-system or more patent drip water systems. There really are too many to count. But what all of these different amphibious equipments suggest is a shared participation in the reality of water as a key resource for these (and all) parts, in one way or the other.

Nearly all of this water originates in the Sierras, our nearest mountain range, where regular (but decreasing snowpack) annually thaws, furnishing (normally) ample supplies of water for any use.

Unlike many surrounding Central Valley areas, Oakdale sits atop a wealth of full, quenching underground reservoirs, and is happily seated adjacent to a quickly running river, the Stanislaus.

But, like many precious resources, water is heavily sought-after, and irritation district official bodies and their representatives carry much power and influence here (not to mention, high pay). This is understandable given that their decisions affect the locals, those who might eventually consume the produce, Bay area residents (who may drink the water or purchase the produce), not to mention so many others unrecognized or ill-accounted for. Such decisions require much time and thought and the seriousness of the issues has, as as of late, engaged many more sectors of the community in political matters than previously, which is probably, on the whole, a positive matter itself.

As getting together to talk about a shared issue, a problem held in common, is never, in-itself, bad practice.

These features of the local environment speak to the reality that water is as important as the thing which seeks to transport it. Without the proper systems, or people to inhabit and operate them, we might be produce-less, parched and even worse, in a place even more rapidly desertifying.