Water Deliveries to Bernardo and La Joya Waterfowl Management Areas
MRGCD and NM Office of State Engineer evaluating current permitting for Bernardo and La Joya ponds
November 13, 2024
Contact: Amanda Molina, MRGCD Public Information Office, pio@mrgcd.us
Albuquerque, NM – The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District’s primary missions revolve around river flood control, groundwater management and irrigation water delivery, additionally water delivered through the MRGCD system also contributes to areas like the Bernardo and La Joya Ponds, which are often frequented by waterfowl hunters. Water managers at the MRGCD and Office of the State Engineer (OSE) are evaluating permits and water delivery processes to ensure all policies and procedures are being upheld.
Initial water deliveries have been made to both areas by the MRGCD, consistent with the amount that has been delivered traditionally. However, several key factors have brought upon reevaluation of the water deliveries to this area:
Office the State Engineer Curtailment Request: On June, 28, 2024, the NM State Engineer at the time, Mike Hamman, sent a letter requesting that the MRGCD place a heavier focus on reducing depletions and managed shortage sharing, as well as improving infrastructure, to help maintain Rio Grande Compact Compliance and avoid catastrophic curtailment. The process of creating ponding in these areas has the potential to violate some policies outlined by the State of New Mexico. To read the full letter, view here.
The Rio Grande Compact: The State of New Mexico is obligated to deliver a quantity of water each year to Elephant Butte Reservoir; New Mexico is currently in an accrued debit status. The MRGCD is obligated to help effectively manage this effort.
Commitment to MRGCD Farmers and Irrigators: In recent years, hotter temperatures, lack of rainfall and inability to store native water have negatively impacted MRGCD farmers and irrigators. To ensure that all MRGCD water deliveries are fair and consistent, water managers have had to implement more stringent monitoring practices; these practices apply to all MRGCD water users including state and local government agencies.
The State’s curtailment request, Compact obligations and the reassessment of rules and regulations around water deliveries and permitting, are considerations the MRGCD takes into account when reviewing plans for all water deliveries. MRGCD leadership is in the process of working collaboratively with the waterfowl area managers, to provide deliveries for this season to meet their operational goals as MRGCD, OSE, and the waterfowl management agencies work on a long-term solution.