In a partnership that marries environmental sustainability with resource management, Las Cruces Utilities and the Elephant Butte Irrigation District (EBID) have launched a pilot study which could have a substantial impact on the health of the Mesilla Bolson aquifer, a critical water source for the region, by innovatively replenishing its reserves, this initiative, commenced under a signed memorandum of understanding, targets the aquifer underlying Doña Ana County that provides vital drinking water to the local community, according to the City of Las Cruces.
The practical mechanics of the pilot involve diverting the city's 1,500 acre-feet of allotted irrigation water, a substantial volume equating to about 326,000 gallons per acre-foot, through a network of canals to Esslinger Pond near Burn Lake, "We do not necessarily anticipate that Esslinger Pond, or Burn Lake for that matter, will receive any noticeable amounts of water for storage," said Charles Neligh, Las Cruces hydrologist, as per City of Las Cruces, but the emphasis here lies on the unseen as the slowly seeping water, it's hoped, will filter down to top up the aquifer.
Set to kick off soon, with water releases from Caballo Lake starting May 30, and reaching Las Cruces between June 1-3, the EBID's irrigation season, serving up this liquid bounty, will continue until August 20, throughout which, five wells, two maintained by the city will offer critical data on the replenishment efficacy of this project by monitoring changes to the aquifer's water levels, as recorded by City of Las Cruces.
