Rio Grande water release offers environmental benefits but leaves farmers empty-handed
A release of more than 650 million gallons of water is making its way down the Rio Grande, but it won’t be available for irrigation.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —
More than 650 million gallons of water are flowing down the Rio Grande after being released from the Abiquiu Reservoir, but the water is legally designated for environmental purposes and will not be available for farmers.
The Water Authority explained that the release is intended to gather environmental data, such as how water flows through extremely dry soil.
But some farmers are frustrated.
“I think about some of the farmers I know who rely exclusively on water from the Abiquiu, farms have just sort of dried up and died this year,” said Sal Palmero, a steward at Chispas Farm.
Palmero acknowledged the challenges but noted some positive aspects of the release.
“The cottonwoods are thirsty and the animals are thirsty, so having water is great,” Palmero said. “I’m sure some of it will go into the overall groundwater in the area, so that’s good.”
Groundwater has been limited this summer, forcing Chispas Farm to rely heavily on its well.
“If we don’t run it on any given day, whatever fields don’t get watered immediately start wilting,” Palmero said. “And normally they would not do that that fast because they would have some groundwater to dip into.”
While farmers won’t be able to directly use the released water, Palmero remains hopeful that it will help add to groundwater supplies. The lack of water, combined with historic heat, has led to reduced harvests and higher prices for produce.
“We take food down to the Downtown Growers Market, and most of the farmers there have upped their prices for things like tomatoes, especially some zucchini, cucumbers,” Palmero said. “Everything is in smaller quantities. It’s just as much work to grow it, even if it is less food.”
Tomatoes, which require a steady and consistent water supply, have been particularly affected.
Despite the challenges, farmers are holding out hope for a wet winter.
“I think a lot of farmers are crossing their fingers that we will get the super El Niño that is theoretically coming and will hit New Mexico,” Palmero said.
