Rio Grande Water Quality Monitoring Helps Taos Communities Protect a Vital River Resource

The Rio Grande is a defining community resource for Taos—supporting irrigation, recreation, tourism, and quality of life. But changing environmental conditions are putting its health at risk: Warmer temperatures, drought, reduced snowpack, and lower river flows are creating conditions that favor algae growth, including cyanobacteria species capable of producing toxins. During the summer of 2025, elevated algae growth in the Pilar reach area prompted additional testing by the Bureau of Land Management, raising concerns among river users and revealing significant gaps in the community’s understanding of what is driving these conditions. The executive director of Amigos Bravos came up with a plan to work with the Bureau of Land Management, Amigos Bravos, Taos County, and the Town of Taos to better understand changing river conditions and protect this important community resource. The project will establish three primary monitoring locations along the Rio Grande with additional exploratory sampling in areas of elevated concern. Testing will extend beyond cyanotoxins to include algae species identification, nutrient monitoring, and broader water quality assessment. Partners will meet regularly to review findings, evaluate trends, and identify areas requiring further investigation. Results will be compiled into recommendations for future monitoring priorities and potential mitigation strategies, and shared with local governments, partner organizations, and the public through presentations and educational outreach. The group just needed some equipment and professional services to get to work, so the executive director of Amigos Bravos reached out to LOR for help. LOR’s funding will help purchase monitoring equipment, laboratory supplies, and sampling materials, and contract a project manager, enabling the group to building a more complete picture of river conditions now, and providing the community with more information to help understand and respond to changing water quality proactively.