Water is the most precious commodity in the desert. Having a good water source is the key to survival for humans, plants, and animals. Because of its scarcity, water sources need to be protected and used wisely.

In order to have an adequate water supply, many ranchers dig their own wells if they are able to do so. These wells draw water from the water table and so have to be drilled deeper and deeper as more water is used.

Some ranchers use water from underground aquifers. The water is slightly salty, but it can be used to grow fish. This water in turn can be used to spray on crops that can tolerate salty water. It also provides nutrients for the plants from the residue left behind by the fish.

Another source of water is provided through irrigation, lakes, and streams that run through the ranch property. Irrigation is a method that uses water faster than it can be replenished. Irrigation systems are being improved so that they use water more efficiently. Lakes and streams are not a good source of water either. They can quickly dry up due to lack of rain or too many ranchers drawing from the same source.

One of the challenges in operating a desert ranch is practicing what is called sustainable agriculture. This means that new ways of planting and rotating crops have to be developed, as well as growing plants that use less water.

Overall, it seems that the key to an adequate supply of water is to practice conservation in the use of water, no matter what the source is.