In 1967, the Rio Grande Water Conservation District was formed to “protect, enhance, and develop water resources in the Rio Grande River basin.” In 2006, Subdistrict #1 of the Rio Grande Water Conservation District was created to mitigate rapidly declining groundwater levels caused by prolonged drought and increased groundwater pumping. Subdistrict #1 has strived to develop sustainable solutions to the groundwater problem, but escalating annual assessments caused a group of vegetable producers in the northern part of the San Luis Valley (the members of SWAG) to pursue their own pathway to groundwater sustainability. 

Today – “It’s no secret that we are at a critical moment for the future of the San Luis Valley, as the shallow unconfined aquifer’s water level continues to drop at a dangerous rate,” stated Asier Artaechevarria, President of SWAG. “Decisive action is required now before groundwater use is drastically limited by the State, and the way of life for residents of the San Luis Valley, where agriculture is the driving economic force, is threatened.”