MRGCD announces start of 2025 irrigation season

Water managers at the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District began charging the middle valley irrigation system on Monday, Feb. 24.

The process of “charging” flushes and cleans out the canals and can reveal infrastructure issues that must be addressed before the start of water deliveries.

During the off-season, the MRGCD tackles major infrastructure projects, maintains district facilities and monitors winter weather conditions.

“At this point, we are observing a below-average snowpack, anticipating a minimal spring runoff and cannot currently store native (to the Rio Grande) water. Our team, along with farmers in the middle valley, are hoping for a heavy monsoon season,” said Anne Marken, MRGCD water operations manager.

The start of the irrigation season varies due to several factors, including water availability, weather and soil conditions, Pueblo and water user needs and the Rio Grande Compact. On Monday, MRGCD opened diversions at Angostura, Isleta and San Acacia to begin charging the irrigation system. Contingent upon river levels, water will also be withdrawn from the river to charge and deliver to the Corrales service area through the emergency pumping operation.

“Our goal is to begin irrigation deliveries by mid-March, with some areas potentially receiving water sooner. We anticipate that initial agricultural demand will be higher than usual given dry soil moisture conditions. Irrigators and farmers in the north are not expected to request much water until late March or early April, but it depends on crops, soils and weather conditions.

“Typically, the demand surges in early April, with most water users looking for their first delivery, however processing deliveries always depends on available water supply,” said Matt Martinez, MRGCD’s water distribution division manager.

Middle valley water users should be aware that MRGCD has enough flow to start up with, and to deliver water to farms, but it must be carefully managed. If water users have questions about their property status, the process for scheduling water, infrastructure concerns or other topics, they are encouraged to visit MRGCD’s website, mrgcd.com for information on who to contact at MRGCD.