Sand Dams as a Feasible Water Development for Arid Regions

Abstract

Water development is an important aspect of range improvement, particularly in arid regions. A structure including a masonry dam and a collection field of perforated pipes was covered with coarse gravel and capped with sand to develop a low evaporation water source at a remote location. Animals were permitted access to the collected water at a downstream trough. Following development, previously unused forages were utilized by livestock for the first time.