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Aquifer Storage Change and Storage Properties, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 2019–23

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5040
Prepared in cooperation with the City of Rio Rancho
By: , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255040

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Abstract

To better understand changes in groundwater storage and groundwater elevations, the U.S. Geological Survey, in cooperation with the City of Rio Rancho, New Mexico, carried out a multiyear groundwater monitoring project. Groundwater-level data were collected at 27 locations, including sites having multiple wells screened at different depths and those having long-term records. A repeat microgravity network of 20 stations was established, and surveys were carried out three times per year. The microgravity method provides a direct, quantitative measurement of mass change caused by aquifer filling or draining. Data collected during the 2019–23 study period indicate generally stable groundwater conditions, with small fluctuations in groundwater levels (increasing at some wells, declining at others), and small declines in groundwater storage over the period of record at most gravity locations (average = −0.33 foot of water per year). The discrepancy between the water-level and microgravity data may have been caused by a loss of soil moisture in the unsaturated zone, which is as much as 1,000 feet thick in some areas. At the Rio Rancho Advanced Water Treatment Facility, where the city recharges water through direct injection, there may be seasonal correlations in storage related to injection but no longer-term accumulation of recharged water in the immediate vicinity of the facility, indicating water is moving efficiently into the aquifer.

Suggested Citation

Kennedy, J.R., Bell, M.T., and Seelig, W.G., 2025, Aquifer storage change and storage properties, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 2019–23: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5040, 25 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255040.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Methods
  • Results
  • Summary and Conclusions
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Aquifer storage change and storage properties, Rio Rancho, New Mexico, 2019–23
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5040
DOI 10.3133/sir20255040
Publication Date June 25, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) New Mexico Water Science Center
Description Report: viii, 25 p.; 3 Data Releases
Country United States
State New Mexico
City Rio Rancho
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details