Water managers warn of low flow in Rio Grande
Middle Rio Grande Irrigation District warns central NM farmers of river's low flow
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) -- Officials with the Middle Rio Grande Irrigation District say the river is running considerably lower than normal for this time of year.
The district is warning farmers in central New Mexico that diversions have already started along the river but there's barely enough water to meet current irrigation demands.
The district is responsible for delivering water to about 70,000 acres of cropland in the Middle Rio Grande Valley.
The district is updating flows at the diversion points along the river on its website so farmers will know where and how much water is being channeled through the system.
New Mexico is entering its third year of severe drought. Snowpack, which feeds the state's rivers, has been far below average in many areas and many reservoirs remain at record low levels.
