ALBUQUERQUE – An environmental group is threatening to sue Colorado, saying its management of water in the San Luis Valley is putting New Mexico’s stretch of the Rio Grande at risk.
WildEarth Guardians contends flood irrigation soaks up most of the water that makes its way into the Rio Grande from snowpack in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains.
The group says that leaves only a small amount for downstream users and endangered species such as the Rio Grande silvery minnow and the Southwestern willow flycatcher.
The group is accusing Colorado of violating the Endangered Species Act.
Officials with Colorado’s Division of Water Resources and the attorney general’s office did not immediately return messages left Wednesday.
Extreme drought in New Mexico resulted in stretches of the river drying last year.
