The waters of the Rio Grande river are tightly controlled by Colorado and New Mexico. It doesn't just flow, like a regular river. Reservoirs dot its length, and only a certain amount of water is released each year from these, such as Elephant Butte, just up the road from Las Cruces. EBID, Elephant Butte Irrigation District, controls when, how much, and to whom the water will go. When water is released into the acequias, or "ditches," they call that a "water delivery."
The Mesilla Valley depends on the river water for irrigation of its chile fields, onions, cotton, alfalfa, and of course, the world's largest pecan orchards. Pecans take a lot of water to fill out properly.
During the summer, many people float down the Rio Grande on innertubes. Some use kayaks or canoes to navigate. Only a very shallow draft will allow you to float, as the river is only inches deep in some parts in this area. Families picnic by the river and kids splash and play.
But when autumn arrives, the irrigation slows and then stops, because water is no longer released into the river. The farmers can't use the water for crops or livestock during the fallow time of year. In the photo above, you can see the wide river showing patches of dirt and mud as the amount of water released into it slows to a trickle. Now the ancient acequias (some over 300 years old) and irrigation ditches will stand dry and empty, usually filling with tumbleweeds by spring, when EBID personnel will clean them in preparation for the spring deliveries of water.
You can walk for many miles along the ditches in the Las Cruces area, or along the banks of the river. With our beautiful weather, it is usually a daily choice to get some exercise and be out in nature along the ditches.
Consider beautiful Las Cruces for your retirement! Enjoy seeing the Rio Grande -- Brave River -- as it marks our seasons.
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