Water has been one of the most important topics in conversations about the proposed Questa Hydrogen Energy Storage Project. Over the past several months, Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) has heard questions from members, residents, acequia users, elected officials, and community stakeholders who want to better understand how the project could affect local water resources.
Today, KCEC is sharing the findings from the first phase of an ongoing groundwater study designed to help answer those questions.
The Phase One analysis reviewed regional geology, well records, groundwater information, and subsurface conditions in and around Questa. The findings indicate that the proposed project well appears to draw water from a deeper groundwater source than most nearby residential wells and local acequias. The study also identified geologic features, including clay layers and differences in underground formations, that appear to limit groundwater movement between the deeper project well and shallower groundwater systems.
For KCEC, these findings are significant because they help address one of the most common concerns raised by community members: whether the project would draw water from the same source relied upon by most residential wells and acequias.
"People deserve answers when it comes to water," said Luis A. Reyes Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Kit Carson Electric Cooperative. "That's why we initiated this study. The first phase suggests the project well is drawing from a different and deeper groundwater source than most nearby wells and acequias, and that the connection between those systems appears to be limited. While additional work remains, these findings provide important information for our members and our community."
The study also evaluated groundwater conditions near the Llano and Cabresto ditch systems. Based on available data, researchers found that groundwater levels near much of the Llano Ditch and most portions of the Cabresto Ditches are separated from surface water conditions by significant depth. The findings suggest that drought conditions, snowpack, stream flows, and seasonal water availability are likely the primary factors affecting acequia flows in these areas. Additional analysis is planned for locations where groundwater levels may be closer to the surface.
Importantly, Phase One does not represent the conclusion of the study.
The next phase will use groundwater modeling to evaluate water levels, pumping scenarios, drought conditions, and long-term groundwater behavior. That work is intended to provide additional information for local decision- makers, water planners, and community members as discussions about the project continue.
"As a member-owned cooperative, we believe our responsibility is to listen, share information openly, and make decisions based on facts and sound science," Reyes said. "Whether someone supports the project, opposes it, or simply wants more information, we believe everyone benefits from having access to credible data."
KCEC will continue sharing study results, technical information, and community resources as additional phases of the analysis are completed.
For more information, project resources, and frequently asked questions, visit www.kitcarson.com
About Kit Carson Electric Cooperative
Formed in 1944, Kit Carson is a member owned electric distribution cooperative in northern New Mexico and is the second largest cooperative in the state. Kit Carson is one of 16 electric cooperatives that serve rural New Mexico communities, serving nearly 30,000 members in Taos, Colfax and Rio Arriba counties.
To learn more about Kit Carson, visit www.kitcarson.com.
