Rio Rancho · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Rio Rancho public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Aquifer Drawdown Concern
A resident asked the council to make aquifer data public and urged a proactive leak-repair program using new detection technology, instead of the current fix-as-they-break approach.
Cottonwood dieback in the Rio Rancho bosque
Cottonwoods along the bosque, especially near Willow Creek, are dying off because the river channel shifted east and the water table dropped. Dozens of trees near trails will be felled for safety and fire hazard, and staff are working with conservation partners on replanting with drought-tolerant species. Residents should stay alert near trails and be patient while the habitat transitions.
Keep Rio Rancho Beautiful cleanups and illegal dumping
An August 8 neighborhood cleanup with free roll-off day in the dumping-plagued northwest part of the city went well; a citywide fall cleanup is set for September 26, with registration on the city website.
Source Water Protection Plan update
A resident urged the city to update its 2021 Source Water Protection Plan to account for the new rocket manufacturing plant near arroyos that feed the water supply.
Water Quality Report Transparency
Resident Steven Van Horn told the council the annual water quality report doesn't answer whether the aquifer is actually sustainable — the injection system's 350 million gallons since 2017 is about one year's worth of its intended annual target. He also criticized imagery in the report that he says downplays health warnings for vulnerable residents.
Wastewater Injection (Rio Rancho Pure) Transparency
Resident Stephan vanHorn repeatedly questioned why the city's aquifer reinjection program (Rio Rancho Pure) isn't prominently discussed in budget documents, noting the city is permitted to inject 365 million gallons a year but last reported around 36 million. City Manager Geisel responded that the funding is highlighted in the ICIP executive summary.
Bosque drought mitigation planning
Staff are coordinating with the wildland fire coordinator, forestry, and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District on ways to combat extreme drought conditions in the Rio Rancho bosque, with next steps expected at the June meeting.