Rio Grande Compact Accounting
The Rio Grande Compact establishes water delivery obligations and depletion entitlements for Colorado and New Mexico. Given the variable climate, it provides for debits and credits to be carried over from year to year until extinguished under provisions of the compact. Accrued credits or debits are an important element of compact accounting. The engineer advisors to the compact commissioners meet prior to the Rio Grande Compact Commission to determine scheduled and actual delivery of water under the compact. The U.S. Geological Survey acts as Secretary to the compact commission under an annual cooperative agreement, prepares monthly and annual reports, and maintains the official compact commission files.