Albuquerque’s water authority ceased withdrawals from the Rio Grande in late April, transitioning the city entirely to groundwater reserves well ahead of peak summer demand—a shift officials described Wednesday as reflecting one of the most severe drought conditions in decades.
The utility stopped extracting river water on April 24 and completed processing of its final surface water supplies three days later, according to a water authority spokesperson. The timing places unusual pressure on underground aquifers designed as long-term reserves rather than short-term substitutes.
Record-Low Snowpack Drives Early Depletion
Water managers attribute the premature depletion to a combination of factors unprecedented in modern records: the lowest snowpack levels documented, the earliest snowmelt ever recorded, and reservoir storage across the Rio Chama and Rio Grande system falling below 15 percent of capacity.
The Bureau of Reclamation noted that river drying in the San Acacia reach south of Albuquerque began March 27—the earliest onset in three decades of monitoring.
By the Numbers
- Rio Grande withdrawals halted April 24, final processing April 27
- Reservoir storage below 15% across Rio Chama and Rio Grande systems
- Earliest snowmelt peak on record due to high temperatures
- San Acacia drying began March 27, earliest in 30 years
- Five threatened or endangered species at immediate risk
Conservation Measures Take Effect
Barbara Baca, chair of the water authority’s governing board and Bernalillo County commissioner, urged residents to follow irrigation restrictions under the Water by the Numbers program. The schedule limits lawn watering to two days per week through May, three days weekly from June through August, and prohibits sprinkler use between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. from April through October.
“A dry Rio Grande should put everyone on notice that conservation is more important now than ever,” Baca said.
Agricultural Impact Across Middle Valley
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District warned farmers to prepare for reduced water deliveries and extended intervals between irrigation windows as canal operations tighten in response to declining river levels.
“Conditions this year are shaping up to be very challenging,” said Jason Casuga, the district’s chief engineer and CEO. “Irrigators should be prepared for reduced deliveries and longer intervals between water availability, especially later in the season if dry conditions persist.”
Endangered Species Face Immediate Threat
Five threatened or endangered species inhabiting the Rio Grande face critical risk from intermittent river flows. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service said it will conduct active rescues of Rio Grande silvery minnow from isolated pools, relocating the fish to river segments where water continues flowing.
Zoom Out
The current crisis marks the third time in recent years that severe drought has struck the region. The Albuquerque reach of the Rio Grande went dry in 2022 and again earlier this year, establishing a pattern of intensifying water scarcity across the Southwest.
Similar conditions have affected other western river systems dependent on snowpack, as prolonged drought and rising temperatures reduce runoff and extend the dry season earlier into spring.
What’s Next
National Weather Service forecasters project equal chances of precipitation in May, with above-average odds for monsoon rainfall this summer. Water managers cautioned, however, that even strong monsoons may not fully compensate for water already lost to early snowmelt and low reservoir storage.
John Irizarry, acting area manager for the Albuquerque office of the Bureau of Reclamation, said coordination among federal and local water managers will focus on maximizing available supplies. “Being faced with another dry year is a big challenge,” Irizarry said. “Our Reclamation team will work closely with stakeholders to make the available water supply stretch as far as possible.”
Residents can report water waste concerns to the water authority at 505-842-9287 or visit abcwua.org for additional conservation resources.