9/28/2026
Preparations for Rain Across the District
Another round of widespread rain and thunderstorms is expected across much of New Mexico beginning today and continuing through at least Wednesday. With portions of the Middle Rio Grande Valley already receiving significant rainfall over the past several days, our irrigation system remains under considerable strain.
Several areas of the District are still recovering from recent storm impacts, and some portions of the system remain limited or not operable as crews continue clearing sediment, making repairs and assessing damage.
MRGCD crews are preparing for the next round of weather and will remain on high alert throughout tonight’s storms. Teams across the District are monitoring known problem areas, adjusting operations where necessary and preparing canals and drains to safely move as much stormwater as possible.
Once conditions allow, crews will reassess infrastructure and system conditions and determine what additional repairs or operational changes may be needed. We appreciate the public’s patience as our teams continue responding to a very active stretch of weather. Conditions may change quickly, and we will provide additional updates as necessary.
We also encourage everyone to use caution during heavy rain and flooding, avoid flooded roads and crossings, and follow local weather and emergency guidance.
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9/26/2026
Socorro County Flooding
Socorro County experienced a major monsoon rain event overnight, with reports of two inches or more of rainfall across a broad area. The intensity and volume of rainfall caused significant flooding in several areas and placed tremendous strain on MRGCD’s irrigation and drainage infrastructure.
Our thoughts are first and foremost with the residents and communities impacted by last night’s flooding. We know this has been a difficult and disruptive event for many, and our crews are working throughout the affected area to help move and drain water as quickly and safely as possible, assess damage, and begin necessary repairs.
The volume of stormwater generated by this event has significantly overwhelmed our system. We are also preparing for additional rain early next week and will continue closely monitoring conditions.
MRGCD crews will remain focused on responding to the immediate needs in the area, restoring the system, and supporting the broader cleanup effort.
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9/26/2026
Preparations for Rain Across the District
Socorro County experienced a major monsoon rain event overnight, with reports of two inches or more of rainfall across a broad area. The intensity and volume of rainfall caused significant flooding in several areas and placed tremendous strain on MRGCD’s irrigation and drainage infrastructure.
Our thoughts are first and foremost with the residents and communities impacted by last night’s flooding. We know this has been a difficult and disruptive event for many, and our crews are working throughout the affected area to help move and drain water as quickly and safely as possible, assess damage, and begin necessary repairs.
The volume of stormwater generated by this event has significantly overwhelmed our system. We are also preparing for additional rain early next week and will continue closely monitoring conditions.
MRGCD crews will remain focused on responding to the immediate needs in the area, restoring the system, and supporting the broader cleanup effort.
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9/17/2026
Recent Rainfall Allows for Limited Non-Pueblo Deliveries to Resume
Recent rain events throughout the District this week have allowed irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo lands to resume. Beginning today, ISOs will begin contacting water users to coordinate deliveries, where the rotation last left off.
While rain in the Middle Valley is always welcome, it can also create challenges for our infrastructure. Please be mindful of MRGCD crews working throughout the District to clean up and repair areas affected by the recent rainfall.
We understand that some water users may have received sufficient rainfall and may not wish to take a delivery at this time. However, please keep in mind that this is a temporary lift from P&P operations, and we cannot predict when water will be available in our system for delivery again.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to make the most of available water supplies and respond to changing conditions throughout the District.
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9/21/2026
Recent Storms Impact District Infrastructure and Irrigation Operations
Last week’s storms brought much-needed rain to the District, but they also caused significant damage to portions of our infrastructure and irrigation system.
Some systems remain temporarily shut down while crews assess damage, clear sediment and make necessary repairs. As a result, irrigation deliveries may be delayed or unavailable in some areas. While irrigation demand is currently relatively low, we know some water users are still hoping to irrigate and appreciate your patience as our crews work diligently to get affected systems back up and running.
Our team is also closely monitoring the forecast, with another round of potentially heavy rain expected Tuesday and Wednesday evenings. Conditions may continue to change, and we will provide additional updates as needed.
Areas currently limited or not operating include:
- Cochiti Division System – including areas serving Cochiti Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, San Felipe Pueblo, Santa Ana Pueblo, Peña Blanca, Sile and Algodones.
- Bernalillo Acequia – Bernalillo area, Sandoval County.
- Lower Belen Highline – west side of the Belen Division in Valencia County.
- Garcia Extension / San Francisco Lateral – southernmost portion of the west Belen Division, extending from southern Valencia County into northern Socorro County.
- Lower San Juan Main – lower east side of the Belen Division in northern Socorro County.
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9/17/2026
Recent Rainfall Allows for Limited Non-Pueblo Deliveries to Resume
Recent rain events throughout the District this week have allowed irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo lands to resume. Beginning today, ISOs will begin contacting water users to coordinate deliveries, where the rotation last left off.
While rain in the Middle Valley is always welcome, it can also create challenges for our infrastructure. Please be mindful of MRGCD crews working throughout the District to clean up and repair areas affected by the recent rainfall.
We understand that some water users may have received sufficient rainfall and may not wish to take a delivery at this time. However, please keep in mind that this is a temporary lift from P&P operations, and we cannot predict when water will be available in our system for delivery again.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to make the most of available water supplies and respond to changing conditions throughout the District.
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09/04/2026
Prior and Paramount-Only Operations to Return
Unless significant rainfall is received soon, irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo areas upstream of Isleta Pueblo will likely be suspended by the end of the day tomorrow. As storm runoff recedes, river flows will become insufficient to fully meet the irrigation demands of the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos.
MRGCD water managers will coordinate with BIA officials as the system transitions back to Prior and Paramount-only operations.
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09/2/2026
Recent Rainfall Allows for Limited Non-Pueblo Deliveries to Resume
Monday’s rainfall and increased river flows have created another short opportunity to temporarily resume limited non-Pueblo irrigation deliveries.
MRGCD is making the most of the water currently available and has opened limited deliveries in portions of the Cochiti area and Albuquerque’s South Valley. Based on current conditions, we anticipate being able to continue these deliveries for approximately two days, unless additional rainfall and runoff improve available supplies.
Crews will make as much progress as possible while water remains available. ISOs will contact irrigators as their turn comes up, and irrigators who need water should be prepared to irrigate when contacted.
Given the extremely limited water supply and ongoing drought conditions, irrigators are encouraged to carefully consider where this limited water can do the most good. While nearly every field could use water right now, some may have a better chance than others of benefiting from a limited irrigation at this point in the season. Irrigators are asked not to take water simply because their turn is available. These are difficult conditions across the Middle Rio Grande, and making the most of the limited water available will take everyone working together.
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08/25/2026
Limited Non-Pueblo Deliveries Expected to End Wednesday
MRGCD expects available water supplies to decline over the next several days, and Prior and Paramount-only operations are likely to resume by the end of Wednesday unless additional rainfall and runoff improve river conditions.
Crews will continue making as much progress as possible on the current rotation while water remains available. However, if supplies decline as expected, the rotation may not be completed before non-Pueblo deliveries are again suspended upstream of Isleta.
Many irrigators have been waiting for their turn, and some may see the available water run out before the rotation reaches them. We know that is frustrating. Rainfall and runoff can create temporary opportunities to resume deliveries, but these short-term increases do not guarantee enough water will be available to complete the rotation or reach every property. Deliveries can only continue while sufficient water is available above Pueblo Prior and Paramount demand.
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08/21/2026
Recent Rainfall Allows for Limited Non-Pueblo Deliveries to Resume
Recent rainfall and increased river flows have created a short opportunity to temporarily resume limited non-Pueblo irrigation upstream of Isleta.
Deliveries to certain canals in Albuquerque will resume where the rotation last left off, with limited available water over the Pueblos Prior and Paramount demand. This window is expected to last three to four days, and MRGCD will make as much progress as possible while supplies remain available. Additional rainfall runoff could extend both the reach and duration of these limited deliveries.
ISOs will contact irrigators as their turn comes up in the rotation. Irrigators who need water should be prepared to irrigate when contacted.
Given the extremely limited water supply and ongoing drought conditions, irrigators are encouraged to carefully consider where this limited water can do the most good. While nearly every field could use water right now, some may have a better chance than others of benefiting from a limited irrigation at this point in the season. Irrigators are asked not to take water simply because their turn is available. These are difficult conditions across the Middle Rio Grande, and making the most of the limited water available will take everyone working together.
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07/20/2026
Prior and Paramount-Only Operations to Return
Unless significant rainfall is received soon, irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo areas upstream of Isleta Pueblo will be suspended as early as tomorrow morning. As storm runoff recedes, river flows will become insufficient to fully meet the irrigation demands of the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos.
MRGCD water managers are coordinating with BIA officials as the system transitions back to Prior and Paramount-only operations.
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07/20/2026
Recent Rainfall Allows for Limited Non-Pueblo Deliveries to Resume, Santo Domingo Storm Update
Recent rainfall has created a short opportunity to resume limited non-Pueblo irrigation upstream of Isleta.
Deliveries in the South Valley of ABQ are resuming on the Carrie, Newborn and Gun Club laterals. The window is expected to last approximately two to three days and MRGCD will make as much progress as possible as water is available.
Farmers in these areas should stay in contact with their ISO and be ready to irrigate if the opportunity arises.
6:30 p.m. storm update: A high-intensity storm in the Santo Domingo area has affected several arroyos, creating a risk of a breach along the Sile Main Canal.
As a precaution, MRGCD is shutting off the Sile Main Canal and reducing flows in the Cochiti Eastside Main Canal. Our team is actively responding.
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06/19/2026
BIA Resumes Releases, Prior & Paramount-only Operations to Return
As of today, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) has resumed releasing stored water to meet Prior and Paramount irrigation demands for the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos after determining that current river flows are insufficient to fully meet those needs.
The release of Prior and Paramount storage water will soon trigger the suspension of irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo areas above Isleta. MRGCD water managers are coordinating with BIA officials as operations return to Prior and Paramount-only operations in the coming days.
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06/16/2026
Temporary Non-Pueblo Deliveries Resume, Santo Domingo Storm Update
Recent rainfall has created a short opportunity to resume limited non-Pueblo irrigation upstream of Isleta.
Deliveries are resuming on the Carrie, Newborn and Gun Club laterals. This window is expected to last approximately two to three days, and MRGCD will make as much progress as possible while water is available.
Farmers in these areas should stay in contact with their ISO and be ready to irrigate if the opportunity arises.
6:30 p.m. storm update: A high-intensity storm in the Santo Domingo area has affected several arroyos, creating a risk of a breach along the Sile Main Canal.
As a precaution, MRGCD is shutting off the Sile Main Canal and reducing flows in the Cochiti Eastside Main Canal. Our team is actively responding, and additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
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06/5/2026
Rio Grande Drying Conditions Update
Residents are already seeing sections of the Rio Grande dry through Albuquerque, and those dry conditions are expected to continue advancing northward in the coming days. Conditions remain dynamic, however, and rainfall can quickly reconnect previously dry sections of the river.
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District is currently operating under Prior and Paramount conditions. Under these operations, available native Rio Grande water supplies are currently being delivered exclusively to the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos in accordance with water rights priorities and federal law.
Unless hydrologic conditions improve, this spring is on pace to become one of the most difficult spring seasons on record for the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, driven by exceptionally low runoff, limited water supplies and persistent drought conditions.
While irrigation deliveries are currently unavailable to most irrigators, farmers and irrigators should remain prepared should conditions change. Rainfall may create opportunities for water deliveries with little notice. MRGCD crews continue to maintain the system so water can be moved as efficiently as possible when it becomes available. Irrigators can help by keeping an eye on local conditions, reporting issues or obstructions, and being prepared to coordinate with District staff if water becomes available.
The District continues to closely monitor river and water supply conditions and will provide updates as conditions evolve.
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05/25/2026
Monday's Rain Events Temporarily Delay Prior & Paramount-only Operations
Rain inflows to the river system on May 25, 2026, have temporarily increased middle valley water supplies, allowing MRGCD to continue limited deliveries to non-Pueblo irrigators upstream of Isleta Pueblo while supplies remain elevated. Without additional rain inflows, MRGCD expects to return to P&P-only operations soon. Please stay in contact with your ISO to remain informed about water availability in your area.
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05/24/2026
BIA Begins Releasing Water for Prior and Paramount Lands
As of yesterday, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) began releasing stored water to meet Prior and Paramount irrigation demands for the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos after determining that current river flows are insufficient to fully meet those needs.
The release of Prior and Paramount storage water will soon trigger the suspension of irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo areas above Isleta. MRGCD water managers are coordinating with BIA officials as operations prepare to transition to Prior and Paramount delivery obligations in the coming days.
The suspension could be lifted if rainfall increases available water supplies, allowing irrigation deliveries to impacted non-Pueblo lands to resume. MRGCD farmers should remain prepared to take deliveries on short notice if conditions improve.
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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05/19/2026
Irrigation Deliveries Update
As of May 19, 2026, MRGCD has not yet entered Prior and Paramount (P&P) only operations and is continuing limited irrigation deliveries to non-Pueblo lands upstream of Isleta Pueblo.
Water supply conditions remain extremely limited, and operations may change with little notice depending on river flows and available supply. Farmers are encouraged to remain alert and prepared to take water immediately if contacted for delivery.
Some water users and residents may notice increased flow in the Albuquerque reach of the Rio Grande over the next couple of days; however, this water is not part of the water supply currently available to MRGCD for irrigation deliveries. These flows are associated with the operations and river work of other agencies and do not reflect an increase in available irrigation supply for MRGCD operations.
At this time, there is no estimate for how long limited deliveries may continue or when P&P only operations could begin.
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05/19/2026
Suspended Canal Operations - Algodones
MRGCD has temporarily suspended canal operations in the Algodones area out of an abundance of caution due to roadway settling observed where the Algodones Acequia crosses beneath NM 314. The affected area is being evaluated following reports of possible sinkhole activity.
This temporary suspension will interrupt irrigation deliveries to affected water users until further assessment can be completed. MRGCD is coordinating with the appropriate agencies regarding the situation.
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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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