Why BDD?

Using Our Existing Resources Wisely

The amount of surface water runoff from rain and snow in our two Santa Fe River reservoirs – the McClure and the Nichols reservoirs - varies greatly from year to year depending on levels of precipitation, snow pack, and other weather factors. In some years, the actual annual runoff produced in the watershed is less than our water rights entitle us to use. In other years, the watershed produces more than the City’s water rights holdings.

The BDD Project will allow us to concentrate on developing renewable surface water (water than can be replaced) and pumping less groundwater from the aquifer through the City and Buckman well fields. We will be able to use all of our water sources so we can rely primarily on surface water supplies to meet baseline (usual) water needs in wet years, and preserve the aquifer for principal use as a drought reserve in dry years, while respecting the limits of the aquifer to continue to supply water on a permanent, sustainable basis.

Water Source	Challenges	When We’ll Use This Water
Santa Fe River/Watershed (rain and snow)	While this is the highest quality water, the amount of water is not dependable because precipitation varies from year to year.	When reservoir amounts are adequate, we’ll continue to use. When surface water supplies are available, we’ll also be able to use some of this water for restoration of the Santa Fe River. We will always need to conserve water.
Underground aquifer	Long term, we are taking more out of the aquifer than is being put back in. Our current use exceeds recharge (refill) and is therefore not sustainable.	We intend to use this water primarily during dry periods, and possibly during peak water demand (such as during the summer).
BDD Project	This water does require a higher level of treatment. We will efficiently divert, treat to all drinking water standards and deliver treated surface water to customers.	We intend to use this water during “normal” periods (most of the time) if river levels are adequate.