MRGCD Warns of Limited Water Supply as Spring Runoff Falls Short
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Amanda Molina, Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
Email: amolina@mrgcd.us
Phone: (505)859-0175
Albuquerque, NM — The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is advising water users that current river conditions are not consistent with a typical spring runoff, and water availability is becoming increasingly limited across the system very early in the irrigation season.
In early March, river flows temporarily increased due to low-elevation snowmelt, allowing MRGCD to begin irrigation deliveries earlier than usual in many areas. However, flows have since dropped to approximately 30% of those earlier levels, while demand for water continues to rise.
“The first day of spring marked a turning point,” said MRGCD CEO and Chief Engineer, Jason Casuga. “At that point, incoming flows were no longer sufficient to meet both diversion needs and required river bypass thresholds.”
It remains uncertain whether the high-elevation snowpack will generate a secondary runoff pulse. Even if it does, the resulting benefit may be diminished by upstream storage under federal operations in the Rio Chama system for prior and paramount Pueblo lands, as well as by Colorado diversions that reduce flows crossing the state line, both factors outside MRGCD’s control.
What Water Users Can Expect
- Water deliveries will continue on a rotational basis, with limited flexibility in scheduling unless supply conditions improve
- Longer wait times between deliveries are likely
- Fewer canals may operate at any given time
- Water users are strongly encouraged to take water when it is available, future opportunities may be uncertain
Given these conditions, MRGCD urges all water users to proceed with caution when making farming decisions, carefully considering one’s own water needs and those of others.
“Although hydrologic conditions and upstream activities are outside our control, our collective response is not. This season will require efficient use, strong cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility from all of us,” said Casuga.
MRGCD will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates as more information becomes available.
About the MRGCD
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) operates, maintains and manages irrigation, drainage and river flood control in the middle valley. Serving approximately 11,000 irrigators, six pueblos and 100,000 parcels of land throughout the Middle Rio Grande, MRGCD is essential to maintaining the facilities required to upkeep the agricultural production in this area. The MRGCD owns and manages 30,000 acres of bosque, and has helped to establish Tingley Beach, the Rio Grande Nature Center, Los Lunas Bosque Open Space, Corrales Bosque Preserve, Escondido Lake State Park, among several more and all of which are open for recreational use by the public. The MRGCD also works in cooperation with other local, state, and federal agencies to protect the environment, wildlife, and endangered species. To learn more about the MRGCD visit www.mrgcd.com.