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Water Assembly. water unites us el agua nos une. www.MRCOG-NM.gov 505-247-1750. Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District 505-289-3950. Middle Rio Grande Region and Water Planning Discussion of Region 12 for the NMWD Regional Water Planners’ Workshop. September 16, 2010.
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Water Assembly water unites us el agua nos une www.MRCOG-NM.gov 505-247-1750 Cuba Soil and Water Conservation District 505-289-3950 Middle Rio Grande Region and Water PlanningDiscussion of Region 12for the NMWDRegional Water Planners’ Workshop September 16, 2010 Bob Wessely (505) 908-9400 VP – Water Assembly Wessely@SciSo.com www.WaterAssembly.org 505-293-9208
But First, A Disclaimer • In Our Five Minutes … We‘ll Have: • A Brief Overview of a Synopsis of a Summary of the Issues • Omission of Lots of Germane Facts/Topics/Issues • Numerous Overly Broad Generalizations • Probably, Some Politically Incorrect Statements
Outline of Topics • Characteristics of Our Particular Region • Identifying Our Main Problem • Our Big Challenges for RWP Implementation • We’ve Accomplished Some Things • And We Now See Additional Challenges RWP Mission: “Balance Use with Renewable Supply”
Characteristics of Our Particular Region • Public Planning Process by WA, MRCOG / WRB & CS&WCD • Diverse Mix of Urban, Rural, and Riparian Constituencies • High Rates of Growth: Population and Urban Water Desires • Two 800 Pound Gorillas and One 200 Pound Gorilla + Others • Rio Grande Compact Obligations Limit Water Availability Ripar. 22% Ag. 33% Urb. 29% O.W. 16%
Inflows 261 kaf/yr Consumption316kaf/yr Deficit55kaf/yr Identifying Our Main Problems • 1972-1997 Average Wet Water Budget: • Inflows Minus Consumptive Use Minus Outflows • Large Annual Deficit Spending of Wet Water • Addicted to Overspending Our Renewable Water Supply • Rio Grande Compact Obligations Limit Water Availability • Increasing River Leakage Impacts Compliance Prospects
Big Challenges for RWP Implementation • Lack of Funds, and Even of Moral Support • Poorly Defined Water Rights Ownership • Lobbies for Inaction and/or Diluted Action • Pervasive Expectations That All Will Work Out OK • NIMTOO – The Next Quarter Earnings Mentality
Nevertheless, We’ve Accomplished Some Things • Albuquerque – SJ/C DWP, Conservation Program • Rio Rancho – Conservation, Water Reuse Programs • MRGCD Reduced Diversions Less Consumption • Coordination & Conservation Plans, Ordinances • Bosque Restoration Projects, Effect Uncertain • Several Experiments for Engineering “Fixes” • “Futures Project” Stories to Raise Public Awareness
And We Now See Additional Challengesfor Meeting the RWP Mission • Implications of Shortage of Paper Water – “Dedications” • Implications of Substantially Reduced Inflows – 73%, 93% • Implications of Endangered Species Constraints • Implications of Climate Change Recognition • Implications of Water Quality Issues • Implications of Explosive Energy Demands
Water Assembly water unites us el agua nos une More Detail ? RWP,Backup Data, and Other Infoat www.WaterAssembly.org Bob Wessely (505) 908-9400 VP – Water Assembly Wessely@SciSo.com