Conservation and Efficient Use of Water (Valencia County)

Funding for the Rio Grande Basin Initiative was secured for the 2010-2011 fiscal year. Currently there are 12 Research and Extension Projects along with several County Projects. Evaluation, outcomes and deliverables for this project will be outlined in the 2009-2010 Progress Report, which is prepared annually by TAMU and NMSU. This report is located on the RGBI NMSU website (http://aces.nmsu.edu/rgbi).

A Valencia County farmer and cooperator agreed to use a 1-acre parcel of his land he intended to farm raspberries and blackberries on as a demonstration on an alternative, low-cost, and energy-free (gravity fed) method of irrigation. In collaboration with NMSU specialists and funding from RGBI, an irrigation plan was drafted and implemented prior to planting. The demonstration showcases an adapted version of the low-head bubbler irrigation system, a low-input/cost method of irrigation, to irrigate crops. Despite minor design issues, pest, weed, and other cultural challenges, the demonstration is on its way to become a valuable resource to farmers seeking alternative methods of irrigated crops. Once finalized, this demonstration could be used by extension personnel to teach others how to utilize this relatively inexpensive and water efficient system for their property. Final evaluation of the project will be conducted in 2011.

Home-owners in the Valencia County vicinity participated in a workshop discussing practical ways to conserve water in their urban setting. Program participants were introduced to water-harvesting techniques using the RGBI Rainwater Harvesting Demonstration at the Valencia County office. Each participant was given a water conservation kit, which included shower timers, bucket, leak detector, and other miscellaneous supplies that could be used to improve water use efficiency within their home and landscape. Over half of program participants intended to use some form of landscape water harvesting and efficient irrigation methods discussed at the workshop, which included olla irrigation, rain barrel, runoff diversion, and drip irrigation. Additionally, when surveyed, all program participants agreed that the information provided was very useful, the presentations were excellent, and much knowledge was gained by attending this free workshop.

Funding for the Rio Grande Basin Initiative was secured for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Currently there are 12 Research and Extension Projects along with 8 County Projects. Evaluation, outcomes and deliverables for this project are outlined in the 2008-2009 Progress Report, which is prepared annually by TAMU and NMSU. This report is located on the RGBI NMSU website (http://aces.nmsu.edu/rgbi).

2009 Program Year: Over 30 visits, phone calls, or emails from the public regarding rainwater harvesting have occurred over the past 12 months. In addition, VCEMG volunteers have developed a plant clinic curriculum on the seven principles of landscape water conservation, which includes ancient methods of water conservation, new techniques (e.g. drip irrigation), and rainwater harvesting. These plant clinics, held at local schools, community fairs, events, and businesses have resulted in approximately 1,000 personal interactions with the public, of which VCEMG volunteers estimate at least 80% were related to water conservation in the home landscape. In addition, recent Middle Rio Grande water use statistics indicated a decline in urban and agricultural water consumption in the Middle Rio Grande.