The Impact of Good Management Practices

Based on an average rainfall of 14.3 inches per annum, a total of 5,652 acre feet falls on 4,743 acres of Ranch property, or more than 1.841 billion gallons in one year!

It is our view, supported by past history, numerous case studies, a recent Acequia Study conducted by New Mexico State University, and other material linked below, that even a modest surface water management program provides substantial benefits related to quantity and quality of the water in the aquifer. 

It is a verifiable fact that good surface water management practices have a far greater impact overall in determining the water impacts, than does residential use.

The State will require the Yellow Hills Master Planners to reserve approximately 90 acre feet of water per year to provide for the community's needs. That represents just 1.6% of the total water falling on the Yellow Hills Ranch property. 

Putting Water Use into Perspective

Based on this information, case studies and research linked to this page, it is clear practicing good surface water management while building roads, installing landscaping, grading during residential construction, and managing erosion, has a significant impact on the water availaility.

Focusing on 1.6% of the total water involved while ignoring 98.4% doesn't reflect good judgment, or effective water management. It is for this reason it is given emphasis in the Master Plan for the Ranch.

Greening of the Desert Video

To Show What Is Possible

This video shows what can happen in a desert when land is treated properly, allowing water to infiltrate and benefit the landscape before it is gone. This site was barren ground in a desert until this project allowed it to become productive. The area was planted using a permanent polyculture, or permaculture. (local Permaculture Institute in New Mexico)

Ranch Sky
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