05/17/2026
Prior & Paramount Only Operations May Begin Soon
MRGCD anticipates that Prior and Paramount only operations could begin as early as Monday, May 18, 2026. Prior and Paramount only operations is when native inflow to the Middle Rio Grande is insufficient to meet the needs of the Six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos’ Prior and Paramount (P&P) lands. As a result, all irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo lands upstream of Isleta Pueblo will be suspended.
The areas impacted by the suspended deliveries include Peña Blanca, Sile, Algodones, Bernalillo, and the Greater Albuquerque area. In 2025, this threshold was not crossed until July, highlighting how challenging water supply conditions are this year.
This curtailment is temporary and may be lifted if rainfall increases available water supply, allowing irrigation deliveries to impacted non-Pueblo lands to resume. MRGCD farmers are encouraged to be prepared to take deliveries on short notice if additional supply becomes available.
*Certain Pueblo lands have been designated by the U.S. Congress as having “Prior and Paramount” (P&P) water rights. During times of shortage, these lands are entitled to receive water ahead of all MRGCD lands. Accordingly, MRGCD coordinates with the Bureau of Indian Affairs Designated Engineer to ensure P&P water deliveries are made in compliance with these federal obligations.
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