Madera Valley 1870 to 1970 Irrigation Water to Drinking Water This is the story of the Madera Valley in Reeves County from 1870 to 1970. It traces the history of the valley from the Indians, Mexican, and settlers who came into the valley. The valley had plenty of water for irrigation, but drinkable water was not obtained for the whole valley until 1970. The book is unique in that the history from 1906 to 1915 comes from a letter written from E. D. Balcom to the author. Some of the history of the schools, churches, and individuals who lived during these first one hundred years are described briefly.