September rainfall added the equivalent of about four months of Santa Fe's normal water use to the upper Santa Fe River system in a short period, keeping flows elevated through mid-October, the city said.
As of October 6, storage in the river reservoirs stood at 64% of capacity—more than three times the typical end-of-year target level.
The conditions result from several factors including recent storms, reduced treatment capacity at the Canyon Road Water Treatment Plant due to infrastructure construction, Rio Grande Compact constraints, and potential above-average winter precipitation, according to the city. The combination means water will continue moving through the system as the city manages reservoir storage and prepares for winter.
"This is an extraordinary amount of water for our community, and we are grateful for the rain that has strengthened our water supply," Mayor Michael J. Garcia said. "At the same time, these conditions require us to remain vigilant."
The city is monitoring river flows, reservoir levels, and weather while managing its water treatment and distribution system. Drivers are advised to use caution near all crossings, which may be hazardous even when conditions appear manageable, and residents should avoid driving through moving water and follow posted warnings or closures.