1. Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District
Middle Rio Grande Region and Water Planning Discussion of Region 12 for the NMWD Regional Water Planners’ Workshop
September 16, 2010
Bob Wessely (505)
VP – Water Assembly
Water Assembly
water unites us
el agua nos une
Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District

2. But First, A Disclaimer In Our Five Minutes … We‘ll Have:
A Brief Overview of a Synopsis of a Summary of the Issues
Omission of Lots of Germane Facts/Topics/Issues
Numerous Overly Broad Generalizations
Probably, Some Politically Incorrect Statements

3. Outline of Topics RWP Mission: “Balance Use with Renewable Supply”
Characteristics of Our Particular Region
Identifying Our Main Problem
Our Big Challenges for RWP Implementation
We’ve Accomplished Some Things
And We Now See Additional Challenges
RWP Mission: “Balance Use with Renewable Supply”

4. Characteristics of Our Particular Region
Public Planning Process by WA, MRCOG / WRB & CS&WCD
Diverse Mix of Urban, Rural, and Riparian Constituencies
High Rates of Growth: Population and Urban Water Desires
Two 800 Pound Gorillas and One 200 Pound Gorilla + Others
Rio Grande Compact Obligations Limit Water Availability
Ripar.
22%
Ag.
33%
Urb.
29%
O.W.
16%

5. Identifying Our Main Problems
Inflows 261 kaf/yr
Consumption 316 kaf/yr
Deficit 55 kaf/yr
Average Wet Water Budget:
Inflows Minus Consumptive Use Minus Outflows
Large Annual Deficit Spending of Wet Water
Addicted to Overspending Our Renewable Water Supply
Rio Grande Compact Obligations Limit Water Availability
Increasing River Leakage Impacts Compliance Prospects

6. Big Challenges for RWP Implementation
Lack of Funds, and Even of Moral Support
Poorly Defined Water Rights Ownership
Lobbies for Inaction and/or Diluted Action
Pervasive Expectations That All Will Work Out OK
NIMTOO – The Next Quarter Earnings Mentality

7. Nevertheless, We’ve Accomplished Some Things
Albuquerque – SJ/C DWP, Conservation Program
Rio Rancho – Conservation, Water Reuse Programs
MRGCD Reduced Diversions  Less Consumption
Coordination & Conservation Plans, Ordinances
Bosque Restoration Projects, Effect Uncertain
Several Experiments for Engineering “Fixes”
“Futures Project” Stories to Raise Public Awareness

8. And We Now See Additional Challenges for Meeting the RWP Mission
Implications of Shortage of Paper Water – “Dedications”
Implications of Substantially Reduced Inflows – 73%, 93%
Implications of Endangered Species Constraints
Implications of Climate Change Recognition
Implications of Water Quality Issues
Implications of Explosive Energy Demands

9. RWP, Backup Data, and Other Info at
Water Assembly
water unites us
el agua nos une
More Detail ?
RWP, Backup Data, and Other Info at
Bob Wessely (505)
VP – Water Assembly