Water Leasing Program

Water Leasing Program

Due to the unavailability of funds, the Water Leasing Program has been suspended for the 2026 irrigation season. MRGCD is looking into the potential for a 2026 late season leasing option (August-October), if funding is solidified. The Water Leasing Program is planned to resume under normal operations for the 2027 irrigation season.

Review the January 13 official statement here: https://www.mrgcd.com/2026/01/13/water-leasing-program-suspended/. 

Background:

The guiding principle for the Water Leasing Program, as with the entire Conservation Program, is that sustaining healthy agriculture in the Middle Rio Grande Valley is crucial to maintaining a healthy Rio Grande ecosystem. The purpose of the WLP is to reduce overall water demand and increase the flexibility of the District’s water resources as we work to balance competing needs of Irrigation Delivery, New Mexico’s Rio Grande Compact deliveries, and supporting endangered species. Depending on water supplies and river conditions, the WLP may provide water for species conservation at Strategic Habitat Outfalls during critical times of the year.

The WLP offers irrigators within the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District the opportunity to temporarily lease water back to the District. In partnership with the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer, Bureau of Reclamation and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, MRGCD will pay participants per eligible acre for a partial-season or full-season lease. Following termination of the lease, participants may once again irrigate those lands under the normal conditions of a District Water Service Contract.