Water put to agricultural use is transformed into food and fiber production. In turn, locally grown produce enhances the self-sufficiency of our region.

However, we also know that water is a scarce and valuable resource in our arid environment.  Therefore, there are a number of methods farmers and growers can take to conserve agricultural water, such as:

• Real-time metering and measuring of water flow and use patterns
• Upgrade agricultural water conveyance systems
• Laser-leveling of irrigated fields
• Water pricing structure that encourages efficiency
• Converting to low water consumptive crops
• Technological innovations such as drip irrigation, greenhouse gardening, etc.
• Alternative water sources such as standby wells, grey water, storm water harvesting, etc.
• Water banking and leasing arrangements
• Information and education services for water users
• Utilize non-potable (unsafe for drinking) or recycled water

The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, established in 1923, provides an elaborate system of ditches and canals that carry water from river to fields. Although the water available to the farmers is subject to the managed flow of the Rio Grande River, which is sensitive to precipitation and drought, water for agriculture is usually reliable and equitably distributed.

Water applied to agriculture recharges the underground aquifer, and also provides some return flow back to the river. As a result, the the lush vegetation and wildlife of the Rio Grande Valley is protected.

History of Agriculture & Water in our Region 

Rio Grande River with the Sandias, photo by Marble Street Studios

The availability of water has played a major role in the human settlement and development of communities in the Middle Rio Grande Valley. Agricultural traditions are strong in this region, but the competition for limited water resources is presently affecting the balance of supply and demand.

Today, water in the Middle Rio Grande area is consumed at a rate that results in the mining of ground water and depletion of streams and springs. Protection of water quality is also a problem whenever surface water diminishes and pollutants in the region are contributed by urban as well as agricultural runoff.

The irrigation of farmland in this region is largely dependent on water diverted from the Rio Grande River. Although municipal water supplies are provided by pumping ground water, soon Albuquerque will tap into the waters of the Rio Grande to supplement domestic well water (see San Juan Chama Drinking Water Project).

Environmental laws are also putting demands on the Rio Grande to provide adequate surface water to meet ecosystem needs. There is a growing concern over legal rights to the use and allocation of water in the Rio Grande Basin. In order to preserve water for future use and in particular to sustain water for agricultural purposes, conservation and management of this limited resource is imperative.

There are a number of New Mexico Museums related to agriculture.

Contact: Ann Simon ( This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it )