The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District has cautioned farmers and irrigation users to think twice in planning their crops, warning that the water supply is running tight along the Middle Rio Grande early in the season.
“MRGCD urges all water users to proceed with caution when making farming decisions, carefully considering one’s own water needs and those of others,” the district said in an advisory.
MRGCD’s warning comes as river conditions do not follow a typical spring runoff pattern. The availability of water is already becoming limited across the system, it added.
In early March, irrigation deliveries began earlier than usual in some areas as low-elevation snowmelt caused a temporary increase in water flows. But the increase in water flow was short-lived. Water has since decreased to one-third of the early March water levels.
“For us, the first day of spring marked a turning point,” said Jason Casuga, CEO and chief engineer of the district. “Incoming flows were no longer sufficient to meet both diversion needs and required river bypass thresholds.”
Uncertain runoff
Authorities said it is not yet clear whether snowpack at higher elevations will produce a second wave of runoff in the coming weeks. Provided it does, the runoff impact may be limited by upstream factors beyond the district’s control.
Data from the Bureau of Reclamation showed that federal storage operations in the Rio Chama system for Pueblo lands and water diversions in Colorado have impacted water availability in New Mexico.
Water supply: what to expect
MRGCD said irrigation deliveries will remain on a rotating basis. Constraints in water supply will shape the operations in the coming weeks.
The agency said water users can expect, in the meantime, longer waiting times between deliveries, tighter schedule options, and fewer canals operating at any given time. Officials also advised farmers to take water when available, warning that future supply remains uncertain.
Despite the situation, Casuga emphasized the need for community action. “Although hydrologic conditions and upstream activities are outside our control, our collective response is not,” he said. “This season will require efficient use, strong cooperation, and a shared sense of responsibility from all of us.”
He said the district will continue to monitor conditions and issue advisories as more data on runoff and supply becomes available.