Village of Ruidoso Releases 2023–2025 Water Monitoring Data

At the June 10, 2025, Village Council meeting, Ruidoso’s Water Resources Department presented updated data and visual analysis of the Village’s water systems from 2023 through 2025. The presentation included detailed hydrographs, tank level trends, and watershed images that reflect both the challenges and progress in local water management.

Key components of the report included:

Well Monitoring and Groundwater Data

The report featured groundwater level graphs from over a dozen monitored wells throughout the Village, including NF-1 through NF-4, multiple MW sites, the Green and Brown Wells, and others. These measurements provide critical insights into aquifer health and long-term water sustainability in the region.

Surface Water and Creek Flow Observations

Flow records from North Fork and South Fork Eagle Creek, as well as the Confluence site, were shared for the period between January 2023 and May 2025. The data shows seasonal and year-over-year variations, with some monitoring interruptions due to wildfire impacts and road closures in summer 2023 and 2024.

Water Tank Storage Levels

The Village also shared monthly water tank levels for its major storage facilities, including the Alto, Camelot, Country Club, Grindstone, and Backwash tanks. Notably, fluctuations across 2024 and 2025 highlight how conservation, precipitation, and operational adjustments influence overall storage capacity.

Reservoir Updates

Grindstone Reservoir data was included, noting that as of June 2025, the reservoir sat 41.27 feet below spillway level, holding approximately 125.7 million gallons of water. The presentation emphasized the importance of precipitation and upstream diversions, as well as operational strategies like nighttime filtration and interconnect pumping.

Operational Notes and Emergency Preparedness

The report outlined how wildfire events, such as the Blue 2 and South Fork Fires, directly affected monitoring schedules and equipment. It also reinforced the importance of adaptive resource management in the face of natural disruptions.

The presentation, delivered by Water Resources Director Randy Koehn, was part of the Village’s ongoing commitment to transparency and public education about local water resources.

Download the full presentation, including hydrographs and reservoir data here >>