OPINION: Clean waters in the Rio Grande matter to everyone

Like the people of Albuquerque, the Pueblo of Sandia witnessed the low and disconnected flows of the Middle Rio Grande this summer.

A dry, abnormally low or disconnected river causes a cascade of ecological problems. Aquatic species die, of course, and fauna reliant on fish — and accessible drinking water — suffer. Some cannot survive. Others try moving elsewhere. Meanwhile, as the river’s flows diminish, the groundwaters drop as well, stressing or killing the flora of the bosque, including cottonwood trees. And as the bosque dries and trees die, the risk of wildfire rises dramatically. But the Rio Grande and its ecosystems face other challenges we must not lose sight of this fall and winter — and long into the future.

One significant problem the Rio Grande faces is the presence of e. coli and fecal coliform, which can come from sewage outflow and releases from wastewater treatment plants, septic tank leakage, animals and stormwater runoff.

High levels of e. coli and fecal coliform can sicken people, and also cause a chain reaction, spurring higher nutrient content in our river’s waters. In turn, high levels of nitrate, phosphorus and biological oxygen demand (BOD), harm fish and the species that eat them, including birds, coyotes and other mammals. High nutrient conditions also affect benthic organisms like bacteria and invertebrates that are key components to a healthy ecosystem. All these problems are exacerbated when the river’s flows are low. But water quality throughout the year, regardless of the Rio Grande’s levels, should always be of concern.

As stewards of the lands and waters since time immemorial, the Pueblo of Sandia has witnessed changes to the lands and waters, including to the Rio Grande and the cleanliness and safety of its waters. The Rio Grande is central to our culture — and we know that all our neighbors downstream connect with the river’s waters, too, whether for drinking, irrigation, recreation or wading with their families.

Now, as we move from autumn into winter, we welcome the sandhill cranes and other migratory birds back to the valley, and we watch the bosque move into a season of rest, when cottonwood trees release their leaves and stretch their roots into the groundwater, readying for next spring. The plant and animal species that live within the river and its bosque are integral to who we are — and our wellbeing is inextricably tied to theirs. It is time for all of us to act as stewards of the river and its clean waters.