Groundwater level declines in the Hatch-Rincon and Mesilla valleys, 2010-2012

From the Elephant Butte Irrigation District website . . .

Erek Fuchs, EBID's Groundwater Resources Director, recently presented data on groundwater level trends in the Hatch-Rincon and Mesilla valleys over the past three years (2010-2012).Erek shows how the persistent drought and increased pumping have led to moderate water table declines, particularly during 2011 when surface water was very limited in the EBID, but also points to a very substantial water column of good quality water at depth remaining throughout most of the Mesilla valley for many years to come.  Erek indicates that as the drought persists the Hatch-Rincon valley is suffering seriously deteriorating water quality conditions and severely reduced capacity from most wells due to the shallow nature of the Hatch-Rincon groundwater system, but that the system can and will rebound relatively quickly upon surface water returning.  This information was presented at the March, 9, 2013 NMSU workshop, "Wells, Pumps, etc.," and the March, 2013 EBID Board Meeting.

Erek's presentation is attached.