Responsible Solar
for Montezuma County
Responsible Solar
For Montezuma County
Water
when you walk out in a winter wheat field in early february, and come back home with shoes and pantlegs covered in dust, you know it will be a rough year in the county for water. When you look at the far mountains, [the Laplatas, abajos, san juans] and see large dark patches in february, the absence of visible snow pack reinforces the fact it will be a rough year for water.
Unless the next few months bring the needed moisture, we can expect serious consequences. Will there be enough for human needs? Imagine the effects on crop growth and future harvests, or the effects on livestock if reservoir levels aren't adequate. Towns, counties, state and federal entities, and interest groups are all collaborating to prepare for continued drought conditions that have become more and more evident over the years. If you really want to know what to expect, talk with the board members at DWCD and MVI.
Think of the effects of adding a utility scale solar facility to the water conditions already straining our area. During project construction, water is needed for dust mitigation. Unfortunately, dust mitigation is not treated proactively. In a proposal, water is mentioned as a general item - there is no mention of where it will come from, how it will get to where it will be used, or anything specific about how much will be consumed. During operation, water would be used to keep solar panel surfaces clean for optimum sunlight absorption. From where do the developers obtain that water? Is it potable water taken from the water docks? Wouldn't you want to know if you have to compete for your water against this kind of use? Water trucks were observed being filled at the Pleasant View dock in 2025 during the Dolores Canyon Solar Project construction....... the same water used to fill cisterns or supply household needs. Hmmm. The competition has already occurred.
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