Albuquerque advances fourth ASR well to boost recharge capacity amid surface water shortfalls

Albuquerque advances fourth ASR well to boost recharge capacity amid surface water shortfallsThe Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority has approved grant applications to secure $5 million in federal funding and a $1.25 million state match to construct the Arroyo del Oso aquifer storage and recovery project, pushing the utility's total recharge capacity to nearly 2,000 acre-feet per year.

The board authorized applications for a Bureau of Reclamation Small Storage Program grant and matching funds from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to move the Arroyo del Oso ASR project from design to construction.

Once completed, the new direct injection recovery well will be the utility's fourth ASR facility.

The infrastructure push coincides with a bleak surface water outlook, as the utility reported the worst measured snow-water equivalent in the Upper San Juan region, signaling another year of low surface water yield.

The utility also secured $2.1 million in state capital outlay funds for five local projects, including the South Valley water and wastewater project and the Bosque non-potable reuse treatment plant.

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA) is accelerating its groundwater recharge capabilities in response to worsening surface water availability. At its March 18, 2026 meeting, the utility's board unanimously approved applications for a $5 million Bureau of Reclamation Small Storage Program grant and a $1.25 million match from the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration to fund the construction of the Arroyo del Oso Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) project. The Arroyo del Oso facility is currently in the design phase and is one of three new wells the utility is actively developing. Once operational, it will serve as ABCWUA's fourth direct injection recovery well, increasing the utility's total recharge volume to almost 2,000 acre-feet per year. The expansion of ASR infrastructure comes as Albuquerque faces severe surface water constraints. During the meeting's water report, staff noted that the snow-water equivalent in the Upper San Juan region—the primary source of the utility's San Juan-Chama surface water—is at the worst level measured to date. The utility anticipates a low yield similar to the previous year, placing heightened importance on groundwater reserves. In February 2026, the utility supplied customers with 78% surface water and 22% groundwater. In addition to the ASR funding, the board authorized applications for Congressionally Directed Spending to the 118th Congress for four regional initiatives: the Carnuel water and wastewater system, a Rio Chama watershed sediment study, the Bosque plant education project, and the South Valley water and wastewater project. State matching funds of 25% to 30% will also be sought for these projects upon federal award. The utility is also benefiting from recent state-level appropriations. Lobbyist Marla Schultz reported that the recently concluded 2026 New Mexico legislative session yielded $2,105,000 in capital outlay for ABCWUA projects. The funding includes $1.125 million for the South Valley water and wastewater project, $530,000 for the Bosque non-potable reuse treatment plant, $325,000 for Carnuel water systems, $100,000 for an ASR facility, and $25,000 for the Tijeras reuse reservoir and pump station.