The Rio Grande roared back to life as irrigation flows resumed from Caballo Lake.
The annual release of water Friday, May 30, marks the start of the irrigation season, sending an estimated 25,000 gallons per second down the river’s dry channel. For farmers along the Rio Grande Valley, the 2,600 cubic feet per second of water is a vital resource amid drought conditions that have persisted for three years.
“Drought is impacting the whole watershed and the region,” said James Narvaez, Irrigation Systems director for the Elephant Butte Irrigation District.
The 105 miles the water will traverse will pass through New Mexico, Texas and even arrive in Mexico, which underscores that environmental concerns like a clean water source care little for artificial borders.
The water will flow for the next 90 days and will serve 90,000 acres of land with water rights, the irrigation district noted. Included in that area that appears to be replenished are an estimated 8,000 farmers with relatively smaller properties, as well as the aquifer itself.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: Rio Grande flows resume, bringing relief to drought-hit farms
Rio Grande Valley, Rio Grande, drought conditions, irrigation, James Narvaez, Elephant Butte Irrigation District
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