Unraveling a complex web of tension, distrust, and political maneuvering, Damming the Gila continues the story of the Gila River Indian Community’s struggle for the restoration of its water rights.

This volume continues to chronicle the history of water rights and activities on the Gila River Indian Reservation. Centered on the San Carlos Irrigation Project and Coolidge Dam, it details the history and development of the project, including the Gila Decree and the Winters Doctrine. Embedded in the narrative is the underlying tension between tribal growers on the Gila River Indian Reservation and upstream users. Told in seven chapters, the story underscores the idea that the Gila River Indian Community believed the San Carlos Irrigation Project was first and foremost for their benefit and how the project and the Gila Decree fell short of restoring their water and agricultural economy.

Damming the Gila is the third in a trio of important documentary works, beginning with DeJong’s Stealing the Gila and followed by Diverting the Gila. It continues the story of the Gila River Indian Community’s fight to regain access to their water.

David H. DeJong, PhD, is the director of the Pima-Maricopa Irrigation Project and the author of nine books, including Stealing the Gila, as well as dozens of articles about federal Indian policy.

“Damming the Gila by David DeJong is a magnificent work of historic research and synthesis. This volume covers the ill-fated and hydrologically mistaken construction of the San Carlos Irrigation Project. DeJong is in a unique position to balance the tragic past of suffering and deprivation with the long-promised restoration of full agricultural production.”—Douglas E. Kupel, author of Fuel for Growth: Water and Arizona’s Urban Environment— -