WE’VE JUST TURNED THE CALENDAR TO MAY, AND PARTS OF THE RIO GRANDE HAVE ALREADY GONE DRY AT THE BOSQUE DEL APACHE WILDLIFE REFUGE SOUTH OF SOCORRO. DAVID GENSLER IS WATER OPERATIONS MANAGER FOR THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT. HE SAYS IT’S NOT UNCOMMON FOR THAT STRETCH OF RIVER TO DRY UP, BUT IT TYPICALLY HAPPENS LATER IN THE YEAR, AROUND JULY OR AUGUST.
GENSLER SAYS THE DRYING OF THE RIVER WAS DONE INTENTIONALLY TO CONSERVE WATER. HE SAYS THE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT HAS ENOUGH WATER IN STORAGE TO GET IRRIGATORS THROUGH THE EARLY PART OF THE SUMMER. AFTER THAT, IT’LL DEPEND ON SUMMER RAINS.
