Rio Grande Alluvial Aquifer — Middle Rio Grande Basin
The Rio Grande alluvial basin aquifer underlies the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The Santa Fe Group sediments are up to 14,000 feet thick in the deepest part of the rift basin. USGS studies revealed that the aquifer is not as connected to the Rio Grande as previously thought — much of the deep water is ancient.
Overview
The Rio Grande alluvial basin aquifer underlies the Albuquerque metropolitan area. The Santa Fe Group sediments are up to 14,000 feet thick in the deepest part of the rift basin. USGS studies revealed that the aquifer is not as connected to the Rio Grande as previously thought — much of the deep water is ancient.
Water Source Data
Water Intelligence Score Breakdown
Total: 69/100Risk Assessment
Source depletion probability
Rights & regulatory exposure
Contamination & ecosystem risk
Geological Intelligence
Formation & aquifer contextHigh porosity — shallow, rechargeable aquifer
Water table aquifer — recharges directly from surface
Land Details
Public AccessWater Rights
UnverifiedRights Status Unknown
Not yet researched
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Location
Data Sources & Attribution
Updated Apr 5, 2026Data is sourced from public and authoritative providers. Hi3 Water aggregates, normalizes, and scores records but does not assert ownership of underlying source data. Always verify critical details with the primary source before any decision.