Analog of Ground Water in East-Central New Mexico

A study, utilizing an electric resistor-capacitor analog model, has been made to determine the adequacy of the ground water supply for the approximate 60,000 acres now irrigated in Portales Valley, New Mexico. Results indicated that over 60% of the irrigated area will be without sufficient water by the year 2010 unless an additional supply is found. A proposed plan to import water from a well field outside the project area was investigated. The aquifer underlying the project area would be utilized as a distribution system. Although some small areas would become deficient, the supply of water from the well field would be sufficient to sustain irrigation in nearly all the area now under irrigation until at least the year 2010.