Page 446 - Records of Bahrain (7) (ii)_Neat

836 Records of Bahrain
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4. I have the impression that apart from water wasted from
artesian wells which are allowed to run all night, there are many
date gardens which are in such poor condition that they should
not be allowed to receive any water. If at any time the question of
agricultural extension comes up for consideration, somebody like Eyre

of B.M.E.O. should be asked to go into the whole question of Bahrain
agriculture. I have the impression that it is in a very great mess.
The question of labour for agricultural extension is also very

important.
5. To Sum Up.
The water table appears to be sinking, generally, about 2 inches
a year.
The Saudis are drawing more and more water from the underground
supply which feeds Bahrain.

Supplies from submarine springs, uness new ones are discovered,
are disappointingly low.
It is advisable for the Bahrain Government to appoint a high-cla

firm of consultants to examine the whole question of the island'
water resources.
It is advisable for an agriculturalist (who might work with the
Consultants) to examine the agricultural uses to which water is

now put and I recommend a revision of some of these uses,
(Note: This is a counsel of perfection which is unlikely to
be adopted.)

(W. F. Crawford)

December 14, 1953