In 2014, the Upper Rio Grande Basin (URGB) of Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico was chosen as a focus area study (FAS) for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Census. The three main objectives of the USGS National Water Census are to (1) provide a nationally consistent set of indicators that reflect each status and trend relating to the availablity of water resources in the United States, (2) provide information and tools that allow users to better understand the flow requirements for ecological purposes, and (3) report on areas of significant competition over water resources and the factors that have led to the competition. The URGB FAS will help meet these objectives through an integrated, comprehensive [...]
Summary
In 2014, the Upper Rio Grande Basin (URGB) of Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, and northern Mexico was chosen as a focus area study (FAS) for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Census. The three main objectives of the USGS National Water Census are to (1) provide a nationally consistent set of indicators that reflect each status and trend relating to the availablity of water resources in the United States, (2) provide information and tools that allow users to better understand the flow requirements for ecological purposes, and (3) report on areas of significant competition over water resources and the factors that have led to the competition. The URGB FAS will help meet these objectives through an integrated, comprehensive approach using existing data and studies, established and new technologies, and user-friendly data management and visualization tools. The study will assess water availability in the URGB from the headwaters in southern Colorado through New Mexico and northern Mexico to Fort Quitman, Texas. Water availability will be evaluated by assessing surface water and groundwater, and estimating evapotranspiration and water use. Assessment of water-budget components and their interaction will include evaluation of historical and current hydrologic data.
Long-Term (1986–2015) Crop Water Use Characterization over the Upper Rio Grande Basin of United States and Mexico Using Landsat-Based Evapotranspiration
Hydrogeologic Framework and Groundwater Characterization in Selected Alluvial Basins in the Upper Rio Grande Basin, Colorado, New Mexico, and Texas, United States, and Chihuahua, Mexico, 1980 to 2015
The Upper Rio Grande Basin (URGB) Focus Area Study (FAS) will compile existing information and add new scientific data and interpretation to help stakeholders face current and future water issues. The study is organized around the important components affecting water availability in the Basin: Water Use, Groundwater, Evapotranspiration, Snow Processes, Streamflow Processes, and Watershed Processes.
