Water Bank
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) Water Bank was formed by the Board of Directors to promote the beneficial use of water for agriculture, protect water rights and water supply, ensure adequate carriage water, and support aquifer recharge. The Water Bank enables irrigation of productive lands with leased water when water supply is sufficient. When supply is insufficient for all lands, Water Bank leases may be curtailed to protect water rights of other lands within the MRGCD.
For the 2022 irrigation season, the MRGCD will have little storage water available and will depend on whatever natural flow is present in the Rio Grande for irrigation deliveries. It is expected that natural flow will be insufficient to serve all lands of the MRGCD based on water supply forecasts. Additionally, New Mexico carries a large debit under the Rio Grande Compact (Compact). Given the current Compact status the MRGCD is limited in its ability to store water to augment natural flows. Therefore, Water Bank leases will be curtailed for the entire 2022 irrigation season. Please review MRGCD Revised Rule No. 23 regarding curtailment by clicking here