The effect of drought in the western US is expanding, causing more distress to residents. Tumbleweeds along the Rio Grande are drifting as sand bars in banks widen.
Drought continues: Low sources and higher demands
The Rio Grande, one of the longest North American rivers is also tapping out. From the Pacific Northwest to the Colorado basic, farmers are in peril as irrigation districts are warning of low water expectations. Coupled with the rising drying weather. According to climate experts March marked the third consecutive month of below-average precipitation in the country.
Additionally, on Thursday, federal water managers revealed the annual operating plan for the Rio Grande. The river is a major water source for millions of residents and farmlands across New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, and Mexico. While the authorities believe that they can keep the river flowing, it is highly dependent on the weather. According to Ed Landl, a US Bureau of Reclamation hydrologist, warmer temperatures are going to affect supplies. However, he added that relief will come if the summer monsoons begin developing. Right now, “we’ll just have to see what happens”. Several farmers are going to get a fraction of their regular water allocation due to higher demands and longer drought.
Here’s what the farmers say
“Logically, it was almost like a no-brainer. The risk analysis was, I had to take it, I had to do it. I didn’t want to, though,” stated Mark Garcia. Garcia, farming about 400 acres of land with his family in Valencia, County stated that they will be compensated for not irrigating about half of their land this year. Additionally, more water will be left in the river for helping New Mexico work the growing debt as it is unable to deliver the water to Texas. “I was born into this. The hard thing for me is I feel like I don’t want the government to pay for me not to work. I have an issue with that,” he stated emotionally. Before farming full time, he had a degree in math and was teaching calculus.
Additionally, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District and the stated New Mexico are hoping that more farmers make such choices. While it is tough, it can help in addressing the pending water debt. According to Casey Ish, over 200 irrigators have enrolled in the program. Ish is a water resources specialist with the district. “For us, this is just one tool and one way the district is trying to help the state manage the state’s compact debt, but we certainly don’t anticipate pulling a third or half the district into the following program year over year. That’s not sustainable from a price point or an ag point,” explained ish.
