Laserfiche WebLink
<br />bank-cutting, loss of irrigated cropland, and destruct/on <br />of roads, bridges, powerlines, and other structures. <br /> <br />4. Headcutting and sheet erosion destroy range and cropland, <br />add sediment to the streams and affect crop production <br />and livestock grazing capabilities. <br /> <br />5. A study by the U. S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation indicates <br />large deficiencies in water surface area required for <br />projected recreation demands in the Rio Grande Region. <br /> <br />6. Quantification of Indian and Federal water rights is <br />needed. <br /> <br />Problem Area 2, ASA's 1302 and 1304. Urban sprawl problems are <br />in evidence in cities that are experiencing rapid growth. Cities <br />showing major population increases between 1970 and 1975 are Albu- <br />querque, Carlsbad, Las Cruces, Roswell, and Santa Fe. In each of <br />these cities traffic congestion, noise and air pollution are notice- <br />able. Except for 'Santa Fe, housing, commercial and industrial de- <br />velopments are extending onto prime agricultural lands. Water sup- <br />ply for municipal and industrial purposes are limited except as <br />supplies can be obtained by retirement of. irrigation and transfer <br />of that water to municipal and industrial uses. <br /> <br />Problem Area 3, ASA 1302. Uncontrolled flood flows in the <br />Rio Grande drainage can result in major damage in Espanola Valley <br />and in rural communities along the west side tributaries that <br />enter Caballo and Elephant Butte Reservoirs. <br /> <br />Quality of water in the Rio Grande decreases progressively <br />downstream. Downstream from the confluences of Rio Puerco and <br />Rio Salado with the Rio Grande, heavy loads of sediment result <br />in siltation of canals, laterals, and farm distribution systems <br />and decreases storage space in reservoirs. Suspended sediments <br />are deposited on irrigated lands which affect productivity. <br />Headcutting and sheet erosion occur throughout the area and <br />enter the stream system during periods of runoff. <br /> <br />High water tables under irrigated lands in parts of the <br />Middle and Lower Valleys requires drainage and continued main- <br />tenance. Phreatophytic growth invades poorly-drained areas, <br />stream channels and reservoir delta areas. These plants con- <br />sume large quantities of water and contribute to the quality <br />deterioration of water supplies. <br /> <br />Problem Area 4, ASA 1304. Water quality is a major problem <br />in surface supplies of the Pecos River, especially downstream from <br />the city of Santa Rosa. The natural discharge of saline springs <br /> <br />I:; :..::.. . (j:' <br /> <br />52 <br />