Date: 08/10/2015
Final
Overview of the Rio Grande Basin Hydrology and Division Engineer's Update
WATER RESOURCES REVIEW COMMITTEE
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02:26 PM -- Overview of the Rio Grande Basin Hydrology and Division Engineer's Update
Craig Cotten, Division Engineer for Water Division 3, Division of Water Resources, identified the rivers and aquifers in Rio Grande Basin and discussed the water supply challenges affecting water users in the Rio Grande Basin. He explained how the Rio Grande and Costilla Creek Compacts affect water use in the basin. He identified areas in the basin under surface water and ground water irrigation and explained how groundwater use is affecting aquifers in the basin. He identified interstate litigation concerning water use in the Rio Grande Basin and identified endangered species that rely on water from the Rio Grande including the Southwest Willow Fly Catcher and the Yellow Billed Cookoo. He also discussed water use by illegal marijuana grow operations and the challenge of protecting legal water users from water depletions caused by the grow operations. He also responded to questions from the committee about water use by the illegal marijuana grow operations and water administration to comply with interstate compacts.