Supporting ongoing regional efforts to understand the use of surface and ground water in the Mesilla and El Paso areas.
Groundwater from the Rio Grande aquifer system is a major source of drinking water and irrigation in the El Paso Texas region and across southern New Mexico and west Texas. The aquifer system consists of hydraulically interconnected basin-fill deposits, gravel, sand, silt and clay which store and transmit water beneath the Rio Grande Valley.
In this project, the Rio Grande interaction with the shallow groundwater system and how seasonal irrigation flows affect the depth of the water table near the river was investigated.
Challenge
The Rio Grande aquifer system supports public supply, domestic use and extensive irrigation, with stream loss from the Rio Grande and crip irrigation acting as a major source of recharge in some basins. At the same time, ground water withdrawals, irrigation practices, and climate variability have altered flow directions and water table elevations.
Project Focus:
- Seasonal variation in water table depth
- Groundwater-surface water exchange
- Water quality stressors
