ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) Albuquerque's water utility is pulling back its controversial request to draw more water from the Rio Grande. The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority has notified the state that it is withdrawing the request to take more water from a dam on the city's north side for use by homes and businesses.
According to the Albuquerque Journal, the request drew opposition from the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, farmers and environmental groups. Critics said that the proposed transfer could lead to larger diversions of Rio Grande water at the expense of flows for downstream farmers and the environment.
John Stomp of the Albuquerque water utility says the opposition is a sign that the utility has more work to do.
