A Zanjero is a “ditch rider” or someone who controls the
flow of water to various irrigation sites by traveling along the irrigation
routes. This week, I was enthralled in the life of Thomas Chappell, who was the
only Zanjero in Upland in 1977, when the interview took place. His days began
early, around 4:00AM and were often cut short by sleep, as he went to bed
around 7:30PM. He worked on delivering water to farmers across the area, by way
of opening and closing valves. His entire life revolved around supplying water
for his community, so much so that he missed out on important family holidays
and milestones in his children’s lives. Chappell’s commitment to his job has
led me to reflect on the absolute necessity and value of water. Water is so
important that someone committed their entire life to delivering it. We have to
keep that in mind as we live our lives; water is life.
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