Declining River Levels May Soon Impact Irrigation Deliveries in Corrales Area
All water users encouraged to take water when offered
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – April 9, 2026
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 closely monitoring declining river conditions that may soon impact irrigation deliveries in the Corrales service area.
Irrigation deliveries in the Corrales area are dependent on the MRGCD’s temporary pumping operations, which lift water from the Rio Grande into the Corrales Main Canal. These pumping operations require sufficient river levels to function. As river flows decline, water levels drop to a point where the pumps can no longer effectively draw water. When river levels fall below operational limits, pumping must be suspended, and irrigation deliveries to the Corrales area are halted.
Water users across the MRGCD have been advised that current river conditions are not consistent with a typical spring runoff, and water availability is becoming increasingly limited very early in the irrigation season.
Last week, river flows dropped close to the levels at which the pump station can no longer operate. However, recent rainfall upstream of Cochiti Dam has temporarily increased river flows and allowed pumping operations to continue. Additional precipitation is forecast this week, which may help sustain flows in the short term. However, without continued runoff, river levels are expected to decline.
If flows drop below operational limits, pumping operations will be suspended and irrigation deliveries to the Corrales area will cease until conditions improve.
MRGCD will continue to monitor river conditions closely and provide updates as necessary. Water users are strongly encouraged to take water when it is available, future opportunities may be uncertain.
Corrales Siphon Replacement
The Corrales service area was historically served by a gravity-fed siphon that conveyed water from the Albuquerque Main Canal on the east side of the Rio Grande to the Corrales Main Canal on the west side. That siphon was deemed inoperable in 2022, prompting the MRGCD to implement the current emergency pumping operation to maintain deliveries.
Construction of a new siphon is currently underway and is expected to be completed before the end of this year. MRGCD expects to discontinue use of the pumps and use the new siphon to deliver water to the Corrales area during the 2027 irrigation season.
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.