WSP03649

• File Number: 8549.100
• Description: Rio Grande Water Supply Study
• State: CO
• Basin: Rio Grande
• Water Division: 3
• Date: 6/1/1977
• Author: BOR
• Title: Activity 3 - Phase II -- Specific Problem Analysis - 1975 National Assessment - Rio Grande Region
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

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downstream from Santa Rosa, near Roswell, snd south of Car1sbadin-
~reaaes the salinity of surface flows. During periods of low stream-
flow the saline content of surface water exceeds the tolerance of
many irrigated crops.

Large sediment loads have silted stream channels and greatly
reduced the' capacity of reeervoirs.ThJ.e problem will be partly
alleviated by sediment storage in authorized reservoirs, however,
land treatment and other conservation measures are. required to
reduce sediment loads.

Phreatophyte growth invades stream channels and reservoir
areas.

Problem Area 5, ASA's 1302 and 1301.:... In areas where groundwater
is being mined, pumping. from wells exceeds recharge and groundwater
levels are being lowered.

Throughout the Rio Grande Region i~ New Mexico, most of the
groundwater supplies are within boundaries of underground water
I;>asins as declared by the State Engineer., In these areas, new
appropriations cannot be made if such appropriations will impair
an existing right. '

Groundwater supplies used for irrigation'and other purposes
in the Rio Grande 'Region in New Mexico are furnished from multiple-
aquifer sources. Sources, static water levels,' and yields vary
throughout tl)e region. Details can be found in reports l'isted
in the reference list, . Chapter VI.'

The f.:>llowing tabulation shows acreage irrigated from ground7
water supplies in 1975 and the withdrawals and depletions from
this source. Part of. the acreage ree..i..ed. ~pp1.ies from both
surfac!' and groundwater, however, withdrawals and depletions
furnished from surface-water sources are not included as part of
this tabulation.

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