Don’t blame ag for water loss

Dear editor,

“The hard decisions are going to have to come where the water is being used, and that’s in agriculture,” wrote columnist Walt Rubel (“Overdue plan for state’s water future,” July 5). That could be a true statement. Consider this: Water loss to evaporation from Caballo and Elephant Butte dams can be reduced with the use of solar panels. The same can be done on some acequias. There are miles of these canals.

The Rio Grande in Doña Ana County can have temporary dirt dams made from its dirt, clay, sand and gravel. These dams will slow any water traveling south in the winter. The water held back by the dams can start percolating into our aquifers. The dams will have to be remade every time the water is shut off for the winter. The drainage ditches can be set up to collect water when it rains. I have witnessed the dry drainage canals during heavy rainfall. These canals can be set up to hold the rainwater so that the water can feed the aquifers. The trees that use flood irrigation shed shadows that slow evaporation while allowing water to seep to the aquifers.

Agriculture should not be singled out as the primary cause of water loss.

Michael Montoya

Las Cruces