Introduction
Throughout the nomadic life of Southwestern Native Americans, access to dependable sources of water was a crucial factor in survival, especially during periods of severe drought. This article explores the various methods used by these ancient peoples to identify and secure water, providing insights into their unique adaptations and techniques.
Detecting Subterranean Water with Natural Indicators
Just as pyramids are built on solid foundations, ancient inhabitants of the Southwestern deserts long ago recognized the importance of identifying reliable sources of underground water. These sources were typically located just beneath the surface and could be discovered through careful observation and natural indicators. Slight depressions in the sand between sand dunes, also known as 'soaks,' often revealed themselves by the presence of vegetation such as bushes and trees. A more definitive sign of fresh water was the absence of salt contamination in these depressions.
Before deserts and floods became the norm, there were numerous instances where reliable sources of groundwater existed, supporting life and sustaining communities. In deserts like those in Australia, these soaks provided critical water supplies. When a fiber rope was tied around a child's ankle, this person was sent down the soak to locate the point where water could be found. Upon reaching the water, the rope would be taut, allowing the child to be pulled back up safely.
Methods of Locating and Utilizing Groundwater
Groundwater could be accessed by digging down as much as 3.6 meters. When wet sand was squeezed in the hand, it would typically dribble water, showing that water was present. For added security, the team would have a backup plan, with another person visible in the background to coordinate the search and rescue if needed. Other natural features, such as rock faces, were also utilized to collect and channel rainwater into rock wells using a simple but effective technique. This involved building a fire in a depression and pouring cold water on the rock, causing it to crack and deepen the hole.
During the monsoon season, larger rivers would flood the desert landscape, soaking the sands and creating temporary reservoirs of water. Even if the rivers eventually dried up, forming salty pools near their edges, the water seeping into the ground from their banks could be accessed through soaks. These soaks, known for trickling out water from the edges of the dried-up riverbeds, provided a reliable source of fresh water during dry spells.
Storage Methods and Settlement Patterns
The availability and storage of water played a major role in the settlement patterns of Southwestern Native Americans. During wetter periods, extensive crop irrigation ditches were constructed, laying the groundwork for modern cities that now stand on top of these ancient works. For instance, the modern city of Phoenix, which was built on top of the massive irrigation work of the Hohokam tribe, traces its roots to these historical water management systems.
Stone or clay-lined cisterns were used to store rainfall, while natural basins were also utilized to collect water. Additionally, the major rivers and their reliable tributaries, which were fed by snowmelt from the mountains of New Mexico and Colorado, provided fresh water to settlements. These rivers were often the center of life, as they offered drinking water, firewood, building materials for brickmaking, and water for irrigating crops and orchards.
Navigating Drought with Expertise and Regulation
During periods of significant drought, which could last 10 to 70 years, Southwestern Native Americans relied on a combination of expert knowledge and local traditions to ensure a sustainable supply of water. The most common factor in determining settlement locations was proximity to a reliable source of groundwater, as well as the availability of trees for firewood and building materials. Nomadic groups followed the course of rivers, constantly moving to ensure a steady supply of water and resources.
Alternative water sources were essential, and trees often provided the clearest indication of the presence of water. If only a few trees were visible in a vast area, it was a sign of surface or subsurface water. Even the presence of green plants or the presence of game trails leading to water sources were important signs. Birds gathered in a concentration also signaled the presence of water.
Understanding and utilizing these natural indicators and techniques, Southwestern Native Americans developed a deep and enduring connection with their environment, allowing them to thrive even during harsh and arid conditions. Their ability to locate and utilize groundwater, combined with their expertise in water storage and management, made them highly adaptable and resilient communities.