Village of Ruidoso Statement on Temporary Transfer of Water Rights

RUIDOSO, NM – January 26, 2022 – The Village of Ruidoso is completing the temporary transfer of up to 246 acre-feet of water rights (123 acre-feet of consumptive use) from the Ruidoso Downs Race Track to Village points of diversion for a maximum period of four years. This lease is the completion of a 30-year lease agreement the Village has with the Ruidoso Properties Irrevocable Management Trust. It is important to note that the transfer is not creating a new diversion or use of the water right. It is the final period of the original lease agreement. This water right is the original water right at the race track. 

Current operations at the race track use a separate water right that is owned by All American Ruidoso Downs, LLC. Water will be diverted based on conditions of approval that are developed by the New Mexico Office of the State Engineer that will protect all other water users. Diversions of the water will focus on non-irrigation season storage into Grindstone Reservoir. The advertised notice is a requirement of the State Engineer and the transfer was advertised in the Ruidoso News on 12/15/2021, 12/22/2021, and 12/29/2021.

The Village is currently phasing out water right leases, but this current lease must be in place while completing work to repair and upgrade the Eagle Creek well field and water treatment plants.

Any questions regarding this issue should be directed to Eric Boyda, Water Resource Director for the Village of Ruidoso at 575-630-7727 or via email at ericboyda@ruidoso-nm.gov.