Time To Circle The Water Wagons?

by John Weckerle

Today, we received the following message from Karen Torres of  Santa Fe County, forwarded by  the Estancia Valley Economic Development Association:

The Santa Fe County Water and Wastewater Operations Department will be conducting a series of public meetings to facilitate public input on proposed well locations to serve as a back-up water supply to the Buckman Direct Diversion Project.

  • Wednesday, September 23rd 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Nancy Rodriquez Center (1 Prairie Dog Loop)
  • Thursday, September 24th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Eldorado Senior Center (14 Avenida Torreon)
  • Monday, September 28th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Rodeo Grounds Extension Office (3229 Rodeo Rd.)
  • Tuesday, September 29th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Santa Fe County Edgewood Satellite Office (1916 Old US 66, Edgewood)
  • Wednesday, September 30th 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Pojoaque Satellite Office (West Gutierrez, Suite 9, Pojoaque Center)

For more information, call Karen Torres at 992.9871.

Uh-oh.

Well, maybe not, but it doesn’t hurt to be careful.  Many of us can remember the mess a few years ago, in which the City of Santa Fe planned to collect water from the Estancia Basin.  At that time, the response by citizens and public officials was enough to convince the City government to pursue other options.

We spoke to Ms. Torres yesterday.  She indicated that the County is looking at options for a backup to the Buckman field, and that the current focus is on areas near the city, although extension of the system could be considered at a later time.  They are first looking at non-Federal locations, with County-owned land being the first priority, and private land second.  Ms. Torres said that she wanted the process to be “open,” so public input is being sought regarding potential locations for new wells.

Naturally, many of us are concerned about the potential for cities withdrawing water from the Estancia Basin, which is hydrologically closed (only rainwater enters; there are no streams or groundwater inflows).  We recommend that those concerned about this situation contact Ms. Torres or attend one of the meetings to let their voices be heard.

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