Rio Grande water dispute: Farmers in the crosshairs of proposed settlement

Rio Grande vista in 1943
Spread the love

June 29, 2023 — The Rio Grande, one of North America’s most significant rivers, continues to be at the center of a water rights dispute between New Mexico, Colorado and Texas.  Last October, the three states had reached an agreement in the form of a proposed Consent Decree, but the proposed decree was under seal. It was finally unsealed in January this year.

In New Mexico, lawmakers and stakeholders convened this week in Las Cruces to discuss the proposed agreement aimed at ending the years-long legal battle over the river’s management. Although the settlement might put an end to the inter-state conflict, some stakeholders asserted that it placed a substantial burden on the farmers.

A Complicated Path Forward.

Hannah Riseley-White, Interim Director of the Interstate Stream CommissionOpens in a new tab., presented a multifaceted plan for the lower Rio Grande that is centered around efficient water usage and conservation. The plan encompasses:

  • Financial incentives for farmers to abstain from pumping groundwater.
  • Leasing surface water.
  • Leaving farmland idle (fallowing).
  • Making infrastructure improvements.

The Associated PressOpens in a new tab. reports that some lawmakers question leaving farmland fallow, warning that leaving farmland unplanted will not be a long-term solution in making sure that Texas gets its share of the Rio Grande under the pending settlement.

Farmers Caught in the Crossfire.

Gary Esslinger, Manager of the Elephant Butte Irrigation DistrictOpens in a new tab., emphasized that groundwater pumping had been indispensable for agriculture, particularly during droughts. However, this practice diminished the aquifer and contributed to the dispute with Texas.

The proposed agreement appears to take a significant toll on the farmers who rely on the Rio Grande for irrigation. They are expected to limit water usage, potentially affecting crop yields and livelihoods. Leaving farmland fallow means a direct loss of income for many farmers.

Farms in New Mexico
U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland visits farms in New Mexico in 2019. Wikimedia Commons, Public DomainOpens in a new tab..

Possible Infrastructure Upgrades.

Experts at the meeting asserted that infrastructure must be enhanced to make a settlement work. Proposals included the creation of secondary ponds at dams for storing stormwater runoff. This would not only ensure a more efficient use of water but could alleviate to a degree the burden on farmers by reducing dependence on groundwater. The infrastructure improvements are especially vital considering climate change’s impact on the region’s water availability.

The Climate Change Quandary.

Sam Fernald, from the Water Resources Research Institute at New Mexico State UniversityOpens in a new tab., explained that climate change has resulted in 20-50% less runoff from snowmelt while increasing evaporation. This has created the need for more irrigation water, putting additional pressure on farmers who are already grappling with constraints in water usage.

Uncertainty and Internal Divisions.

Despite the settlement proposal, State Senator Joseph CervantesOpens in a new tab. voiced concerns regarding the potentially divisive nature of the agreement within New Mexico, as it might spark fresh disputes between northern and southern regions over the Rio Grande’s water. Farmers, particularly in the south, worry that the settlement will exacerbate their struggles, as they are being asked to bear the brunt of water conservation efforts without adequate compensation.

The Need for Balanced Solutions.

While the proposed settlement in the Rio Grande water dispute is a step towards resolution, it is imperative to ensure that the solution does not disproportionately affect the farmers who are the lifeline of the region’s agricultural economy. Balance must be struck between conservation, infrastructural enhancements, and support to the farming community to ensure a sustainable and equitable resolution to the water woes along the Rio Grande.

Opening Image:

Vista westward over the Rio Grande valley from the foothills of the Sangre de Cristos Mountains near Questa, Taos County, New Mexico.  Spring 1943.  U.S. Library of Congress via Wikimedia CommonsOpens in a new tab..

Deborah

Since 1995, Deborah has owned and operated LegalTech LLC with a focus on water rights. Before moving to Arizona in 1986, she worked as a quality control analyst for Honeywell and in commercial real estate, both in Texas. She learned about Arizona's water rights from the late and great attorney Michael Brophy of Ryley, Carlock & Applewhite. Her side interests are writing (and reading), Wordpress programming and much more.

Leave a Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Recent Posts

0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x
Skip to content