Rio Grande bone dry because of drought
Experts say the Rio Grande will soon reach its lowest level since the 1980s.
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District said its reservoir will be empty by Sunday or Monday, which means the river could begin drying up soon after that.
"I think it's probably the driest anybody's seen it in probably 100 years or so," said David Gensler with the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District.
Officials said they will keep wet spots throughout the river though to help protect the endangered silvery minnow, but that water will have to come from federally run reservoirs.
"Those supplies are limited. It's not a lot of water in either case so they'll have to be very careful of how they manage that water," Gensler said.
Gensler said farmers should expect to see less water allocated because of the low levels. He says utility officials will also stop taking any water from the Rio Grande for Albuquerque's drinking water supply. Instead, they'll rely completely on wells.
Gensler said only rain will help the problem.
Copyright 2013 by KOAT.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.