The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources with New Mexico Tech is beginning a groundwater and surface water study along the Rio Grande between San Acacia and Fort Craig. The NM Interstate Stream Commission has established a funding agreement to investigate hydrologic connections among the Rio Grande, the Low Flow Conveyance Channel (LFCC), the riparian aquifer, and the riparian ecosystem along the San Acacia Reach of the Rio Grande.
Using existing groundwater monitoring wells in the region, the NM Bureau of Geology will establish both continuous and discrete (one-time) monitoring of shallow groundwater and regional groundwater levels in the San Acacia reach of the Rio Grande (from San Acacia to the Narrows). The goal of this study is to investigate hydrologic connections among the Rio Grande, the Low Flow Conveyance Channel (LFCC), the riparian aquifer, and the riparian ecosystem along the San Acacia reach of the Rio Grande. Two graduate students at New Mexico Tech will tackle these research questions by analyzing trends in surface and groundwater water levels, collecting soil moisture measurements, and quantifying changes in plant cover in the river bosque.
Project Scope
This project, starting in 2024 and completing in 2027, will include establishing long-term continuous monitoring of groundwater levels, soil moisture monitoring, and groundwater level mapping across the region. These data, along with other data collected by collaborating agencies, will be used in two student research projects at NM Tech.
Community Collaboration
This project will focus on improving maps and understanding of the regional aquifer, and to do this, we need groundwater level measurements from existing wells. Through this project, we aim to measure at least 100 wells in the broader region from San Acacia to Fort Craig. We need community support to reach this goal. These measurements can also be very helpful for well owners to know how deep groundwater is and how much water remains in the well. Additionally, with repeat measurements or comparisons to drilling records, we can also see if there have been changes over time. Groundwater level declines can indicate short-term seasonal trends or, in some cases, broader declines in the aquifer and water availability. Site locations, well information, and water level data would be released in reports or data-sharing platforms, but owner information/contact information is not shared.
If you live near the study area, please consider being part of the research by allowing us to measure the depth to water in your well. Leave us your contact information at this sign-up form.
For questions about this project, please contact Laila Sturgis, Aquifer Mapping Program Manager for the NM Bureau of Geology, at Laila.Sturgis@nmt.edu or (575) 835-5327.