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2007 Ground Water Summit |
Monday, April 30, 2007 : 2:00 p.m.
Investigation of Surface Water/Ground Water Interactions in the San Acacia Reach of the Rio Grande, New Mexico
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) has begun a series of investigations to study New Mexico’s current water supply, its water demands, and ways in which it can better manage supply to meet demands. Previous Rio Grande Basin studies have identified the understanding of surface water/ground water interactions as critical to effective water-supply management. This paper will focus on a current study of those interactions along the Rio Grande between San Acacia and Elephant Butte Reservoir, conducted by the NMISC in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and New Mexico Tech. This stretch of the river is especially critical because of the presence of endangered species, the presence of non-native, high water–use vegetation, and concerns over New Mexico’s ability to deliver water under its Rio Grande Compact delivery obligations.
The current study consists of constructing, sampling and monitoring wells and surface water gages along seven transects that cross the Rio Grande floodplain, including the river, a low flow conveyance channel and agricultural drains. The data generated by the study is being used to characterize the surface water and shallow ground water system, conduct water balance evaluations, and support development of a computer-based model of the hydrology along this reach of the river. These data and subsequent analyses will improve our understanding of the hydrologic and environmental relationships impacting the delivery of water to irrigators in the area, delivery of water under the Rio Grande Compact, and issues affecting endangered species.
The current study consists of constructing, sampling and monitoring wells and surface water gages along seven transects that cross the Rio Grande floodplain, including the river, a low flow conveyance channel and agricultural drains. The data generated by the study is being used to characterize the surface water and shallow ground water system, conduct water balance evaluations, and support development of a computer-based model of the hydrology along this reach of the river. These data and subsequent analyses will improve our understanding of the hydrologic and environmental relationships impacting the delivery of water to irrigators in the area, delivery of water under the Rio Grande Compact, and issues affecting endangered species.