Corrales Pumps Shut Down Due to Low Rainfall

Published July 12th, 2024 at 4:01 pm, Last Updated July 19th, 2024 at 1:43 pm

Extreme drought and low rainfall caused the Corrales Pumps to shut down Monday, July 15. 

According to a public notice sent to all Corrales residents July 12, the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) alerted Corrales residents that if it was not able to gain access to storage water or if the Corrales area does not see significant rainfall to replenish the river flow, Corrales pumps are expected to shut down. 

The MRGCD says current water levels are near the minimum elevation required for the pumps to operate. The notice said that Corrales residents should plan for extreme water shortages and limited irrigation deliveries. 

According to MRGCD spokesperson Amanda Molina, since the operation of the pumps is completely driven by the water level in the river, there is no date on when they will be turned back on. There is a chance that the San Juan Chama Project water the MRGCD has stored will help, once that’s released. They have not given a date on if or when that may occur.

If the water levels rise, the MRGCD will notify Corrales residents who have been impacted. 

The last time the pumps shut down due to low river levels was Aug. 16, 2023. River levels did not return to operational limits until this season.