ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) The aquifer beneath Albuquerque is showing signs it is refilling nearly five years after the city shifted from pumping groundwater to using the Rio Grande river for its supply. Measurements from various city areas show differences in the recharge but at one spot the water level has risen by 9 feet. There's still a long way to go since water levels dropped between 80 feet 120 feet since pumping began early in the last century.
The Albuquerque Journal reports in a story in Sunday's editions water experts say the measurements show what was expected once the city switched to river water is actually happening.
The city spent $500 million for a dam, water treatment plant and new distribution pipes to reduce reliance on dwindling groundwater supplies.
