Outfall Control Structures (OCS)

  1. Home
  2. Outfall Control Structures (OCS)

The OCS pilot programs are directed at the Rio Grande and District facilities that return unused irrigation water to the river.  Several groundwater drains, and wasteway channels (ends of canals) are being re-engineered to provide ecological benefits to the Bosque and habitat for endangered species.  These return channels have long been an important source of water to the Rio Grande and associated wildlife, especially during drier and low flow periods.  Through the addition of modern control structures, and specific operational plans, they will be made into automated return flow features within our system. The intent of OCS is that as the District delivers water to irrigators, we may also address some critical needs of riverine habitat and species, with little or no additional water cost to our constituents.  For 2020 the District plans to conduct monitoring and surveying at six outfall locations between Isleta Pueblo and the Rio Puerco confluence.  Following baseline data collection and construction of necessary OCS infrastructure, habitat enhancement will take place at these locations as needed.

Latest News

MRGCD Construction Update – February 2024

This presentation was given by Alicia Lopez, MRGCD engineering and mapping manager, during the 2024 February board meeting; it highlights major construction projects throughout the District.

2024 Irrigation Season Starts Feb 26

Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District Announces Start of 2024 Irrigation Season Water managers will begin charging the irrigation system on February 26   Albuquerque, NM – Water managers at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District are preparing for the...

February 2024 Water Outlook Report

This video is a presentation of the February MRGCD water report. The presentation was made during the February board meeting by Anne Marken, who oversees MRGCD's water operations. It covers the water outlook, El Vado Dam/storage, Rio Grande Compact and water supply. 

MRGCD Introduces New Water Gauging Website

This is an instructional video on MRGCD’s new water gauge website – it’s user friendly and a great way for middle Rio Grande valley water users (and anyone else) to monitor flow data, upstream levels and more.

The new website can be found here: https://mrgcd.onerain.com/.

Farmers Meeting Informational Video

Beginning in November of 2023, the MRGCD board and staff began visiting counties throughout the District to meet with MRGCD farmers and irrigators. This video is a brief overview of what has been covered at those meetings.

MRGCD Announces New Service Request Process

MRGCD’s Irrigation Systems Operators (ISO) are most in tune with middle Rio Grande valley water users and their needs and expectations. Their focus is working with water users to ensure water is delivered in a timely and equitable fashion. In order to keep ISO’s...