(Las Cruces, N.M.) The Elephant Butte Irrigation District is alerting farmers in the Hatch, Rincon and Mesilla Valleys that the last day to order EBID irrigation water is Friday, July 1, 2011. EBID Treasurer-Manager, Gary Esslinger says all orders must be placed by this Friday and as early as possible.
The EBID system will run its remaining allotment until the water plays out in the system around July 5. A disappointing snow pack in the upper Rio Grande Basin, the continuing drought and a lack of relinquishment of New Mexico compact water have all combined to limit this year’s irrigation season.
This shut down marks the first time in the history of the EBID, since it took over the system from the federal government, that the district has experienced such a short water year. Esslinger pointed out that during this time farmers in the district have also seen some of the wettest years in the history of the project. Esslinger says monsoon summer rains could revitalize the system but for now the EBID has implemented a day to day “adoptive management” plan that holds no guarantees.
Growers can place orders through the EBID dispatch office at (575) 524-8003.
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