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Middle Rio Grande Administrative Area (MRGAA) Guidelines For Review Of Water Right Applications

On September 22, 2000, the State Engineer adopted new guidelines for permitting water rights in the area now defined as the MRGAA. The MRGAA extends from Cochiti Dam to the northeast corner of Socorro County, and includes the communities of Bernalillo, Rio Rancho, Corrales, Albuquerque, Los Lunas and Belen.

The new guidelines will protect existing water rights, ensure New Mexico's compliance with the Rio Grande Compact, extend the life of the aquifer, minimize land subsidence, and better manage new development and economic expansion.