Location map showing the boundary of the High Plains aquifer, major cities and roads, and altitude of land surface.
PORTALES, N.M. -- Water conservation is always a major concern for everyone here in the Panhandle and the High Plains. That's why a recent water report presented to the Portales City Council is causing some concerns for the future of the area's water supply.
According to The Portales News Tribune the city's water consultant, Charles Wilson reports that, the High Plains Aquifer currently has a saturation thickness of 42 feet and is declining at a rate of 3.4 feet per year at the city's primary well field. That decline causes even more concern when you take into account that the Sand Hill well field, the city's supplement supply, that is only pumped during the summer months, stands below 10 feet.
Portales City Manager Tom Howell told the Portales News Tribune, "It's not like we're going to run out of water tomorrow, but I think we have to be ever-vigilant in looking for other (water) sources."
Portales Mayor Sharon King, said the water report isn't a surprise, it just confirms what the city already knew, and that other water sources must be found.
Wilson told the city council that the current conservation methods in place are effective. The average water used per person per day in 2009 was 175 gallons, which he says is good because its less than 200.
Wilson recommended the city evenly distribute the amount each well pumps, which Howell said they will do. Another recommendation by Wilson was that the city continue well field expansion into the Las Lomas groundwater reserve.
The $500 million Ute Water project which has been in the works for years could also help curb the city's water demand on the aquifer. Wilson recommended the city continue to pursue that project.
