Subdivision Water Availability

For the past 30 years GGI has been conducting subdivision water availability and geohydrology studies for subdivisions through out New Mexico. These investigations include well siting, well design, drilling oversight, water quality and production testing, and compilation of data into reports to meet county and state subdivision water availability requirements.

Many development projects require water availability studies to satisfy County and State Engineer requirements. GGI is familiar with both County and State water availability requirements and has a long history assisting clients with:

• Conducting water availability investigations, including:
  • Testing existing on-site wells, siting, drilling, and testing additional on-site wells if required
  • Identifying and obtaining data from off-site wells that may be substituted in lieu of on-site data in some circumstances
  • Geologic mapping to demonstrate the extent of aquifer(s) underlying a property, as well as additional methods as needed
• Preparing ‘full’ geohydrologic reports required by County review boards.
• Preparing ‘reconnaissance’ geohydrologic reports required by County review boards.
• Groundwater modeling to demonstrate effects of on-site and off-site pumping and to analyze long-term viability of the proposed water source.
• Meeting with County and State reviewers to identify and resolve potential hurdles in the development review process.
• Assistance with water-rights acquisitions and transfers that may be required for the development.

» Water Rights Evaluation
» Well Siting and Inspection
» Pumping Tests (Aquifer Characterization)
» Water Conservation Plans
» Subdivision Water Budget
» Water Quality Testing
» Real Estate Transfer

Selected projects:

1.Rancho San Lucas Water Availability
2.Santa Fe Canyon Ranch

Rancho San Lucas model grid showing drawdown from on-site wells.

Model grid of predicted drawdown from subdivision wells completed into fractured crystalline rocks. The model is also used to predict depletion effects on Moreno Cr.

Hydrogeologic cross sections through properties in Santa Fe (above) and Taos (below) Counties showing saturated thickness of aquifers.  Saturated thickness is commonly used in calculations of long-term water availability for subdivisions

For subdivision water availability studies, GGI can produce detailed geologic maps (shown above) and cross sections (shown below) used to determine the extent and thickness of saturated aquifers.