Water is probably the most important ingredient of successful ranching. Winchester Ranch is not only a desert ranch, but the whole of southeastern Arizona has endured drought conditions for several years. We hope for enough rain each year to keep perennial grasses and other native vegetation alive, and to keep the water table high enough that we can pump water from existing wells. Currently we have 250+ mature animals on the ranch, including mother cows and bulls. Our mother cows give birth during the spring, so they are nursing over 200 calves, which requires more water than usual. During summer months, our herd consumes approximately 5000 gallons of water/day.
Our ranch water system is dependent on pumped water from wells. We are thrilled those
few days of the year when the streams on the ranch run! Winchester Ranch water statistics:
5 wells, with 1 of those used as backup
4 solar pumping plants
1 diesel powered submersible pump used regularly at night, and 1 on standby
1 diesel powered submersible pump used regularly at night, and 1 on standby
1 commercial power pump
1 spring on Javelina Peak that produces a small volume of water to 1 drinker
30+ miles of high pressure water pipeline
40 drinkers
16 storage tanks that will hold up to 90,000 gallons water
4 dirt tanks - only fill from seasonal rains
4 concrete dams - only fill from seasonal rain
With all the drinkers and storage tanks, there are hundreds of valves and fittings. The valves and fittings seem to freeze in winter and leak in summer. When "checking water," there are lots of parts to check. Colter normally "checks water" across the ranch. Papa has been "checking water" over the past few weeks as Colter is recovering from breaking his leg. Its a big job!
