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2024 State Legislative Priorities
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The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (Water Authority) has nine recommended State of New Mexico Legislative Priorities for the 2024 Session.
1. Aquifer Storage and Recovery - $2.0 Million
Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) is an important water resources management tool that provides the ability store San Juan-Chama water in the aquifer as a drought reserve. ASR is a vital part of Water 2120, the Water Authority's 100-year water resources management strategy. This request would fund planning, design, and permitting for the next phase of the direct injection project.
2. Thomas Wells Arsenic Treatment Plant - $4.3 Million
The Thomas well field has four existing wells with a total production capacity of approximately 12.5 MGD. All Thomas wells produce water above the arsenic drinking water maximum contaminant level (MCL) of 10-parts per billion. Thomas wells use a limited capacity by blending with water from wells with low arsenic. A new arsenic treatment plant will place the existing wells back into full production and make better use of these abandoned assets. Thomas wells are located within a high-density part of the distribution system. The proposed project will improve system resiliency and drought preparedness.
3. South-to-North Reuse Pipeline Project - $3.0 Million
This project would connect the Water Authority's two existing non-potable water systems, allowing reclaimed wastewater effluent from the Southside Water Reclamation Plant (SWRP) to irrigate turf throughout a much larger portion of the service area on the east side of the Rio Grande. This pipeline would also enable the Water Authority to store significantly more water from the Alameda subsurface river diversion using aquifer storage and recovery at the existing Bear Canyon surface infiltration gallery. This project aligns with Water 2120, the Water Authority's 100-year water resources management strategy. It provides drought resiliency...
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