Where surface waters are not readily available, the subterranean water is of first importance.  It is generally known that, underlying the earth’s surface at various depths, there is a large quantity of free water.  Those living in humid climates often overestimate the amount of water so held in the earth’s crust, and it is probably true that those living in arid regions underestimate the quantity of water so found.  The fact of the matter seems to be that free water is found everywhere under the earth’s surface.  Those familiar with the arid West have frequently been surprised by the frequency with which water has been found at comparatively shallow depths in the most desert locations.  Various estimates have been made as to the quantity of underlying water.  The latest calculation and perhaps the most reliable is that made by Fuller, who, after a careful analysis of the factors involved, concludes that the total free water held in the earth’s crust is equivalent to a uniform sheet of water over the entire surface of the earth ninety-six feet in depth.  A quantity of water thus held would be equivalent to about one hundredth part of the whole volume of the ocean.  Even though the thickness of the water sheet under arid soils is only half this figure there is an amount, if it could be reached, that would make possible the establishment of homesteads over the whole dry-farm territory.  One of the main efforts of the day is the determination of the occurrence of the subterranean waters in the dry-farm territory.

Ordinary dug wells frequently reach water at comparatively shallow depths.  Over the cultivated Utah deserts water is often found at a depth of twenty-five or thirty feet, though many wells dug to a depth of one hundred and seventy-five and two hundred feet have failed to reach water.  It may be remarked in this connection that even where the distance to the water is small, the piped well has been found to be superior to the dug well.  Usually, water is obtained in the dry-farm territory by driving pipes to comparatively great depths, ranging from one hundred feet to over one thousand feet.  At such depths water is nearly always found.  Often the geological conditions are such as to force the water up above the surface as artesian wells, though more often the pressure is simply sufficient to bring the water within easy pumping distance of the surface.  In connection with this subject it must be said that many of the subterranean waters of the dry-farm territory are of a saline character.  The amount of substances held in solution varies largely, but frequently is far above the limits of safety for the use of man or beast or plants.  The dry-farmer who secures a well of this type should, therefore, be careful to have a proper examination made of the constituents of the water before ordinary use is made of it.