MRGCD
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is a New Mexico government conservancy district, established in 1925, that delivers irrigation water to roughly 59,057 acres across four counties via 1,100+ miles of canals, while balancing Pueblo water rights, Rio Grande Compact obligations, and endangered species habitat requirements.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1925
- HeadquartersAlbuquerque, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What MRGCD does
The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is a political subdivision of the State of New Mexico, established in 1925 and headquartered in Albuquerque. The district operates as the primary water management authority for the Middle Rio Grande Valley, delivering surface irrigation water to approximately 59,057 acres of farmland and managing over 1,100 miles of canals, laterals, and four diversion dams (Angostura, Isleta, San Acacia, plus Cochiti intake). MRGCD serves four counties through four operating divisions (Albuquerque, Belen, Cochiti, and Socorro), with a workforce of approximately 159 employees across field operations, general administration, and an equipment repair and transportation department. The district must balance competing obligations: agricultural water delivery, Prior and Paramount rights for six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos, Rio Grande Compact delivery obligations to downstream states, and endangered species habitat management under the 2016 Biological Opinion.
MRGCD's core product is irrigation water delivery, supported by a portfolio of programs including the Conservation Program, On-Farm Irrigation Delivery Projects (IDPs), the Emergency Water Leasing Program, Bosque Stewardship, and rights-of-way licensing. Its underlying technology platform includes the One Rain water gauging website (launched February 2024) for real-time flow and diversion data, division-specific monitoring dashboards, measurement structures such as the Durand Long Crested Weir, and traditional diversion dam and canal infrastructure. The district relies on a fleet of heavy equipment and dedicated Irrigation Systems Operators (ISOs) for field-level water delivery management.
Revenue is generated through three primary streams: recurring water service charges (based on acreage served), property assessments on benefiting lands, and one-time licensing/permit fees for rights-of-way use, special use, culvert crossings, commercial filming, and bosque access. Pricing is established through a published schedule of fees, with multi-year license terms (commonly 50 years), application fees, and ancillary charges such as a 1.9% credit card processing fee. As a government entity, MRGCD operates with full budget transparency through its Sunshine Portal and is governed by a publicly elected Board of Directors.
MRGCD firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- MRGCD
- Legal name
- Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District
- Website
- https://mrgcd.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1925
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- The Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District (MRGCD) is a New Mexico government conservancy district, established in 1925, that delivers irrigation water to roughly 59,057 acres across four counties via 1,100+ miles of canals, while balancing Pueblo water rights, Rio Grande Compact obligations, and endangered species habitat requirements.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
MRGCD industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Irrigation Water Management Services
- NAICS
- Water Supply and Irrigation Systems (221310), Water, Sewage and Other Systems (2213)
- SIC
- Water Supply (4941)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Pipes, Tubing & Conveyance Infrastructure (Mainlines, Laterals, Hoses) (AFAAACAG)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Drainage & Field Water Management (Tile Drainage, Ditches, Water Table Control) (AFAAACAJ)
Keywords
Where MRGCD is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Albuquerque
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices6 records
Markets served
MRGCD business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Water Service Charges: Charges paid by irrigators for water delivery services based on acreage served. Applied to farmland within the district boundaries.
- Assessments: Property assessments levied on benefiting lands for irrigation infrastructure maintenance and operations.
- Licensing Fees: Fees collected for infrastructure installations within rights-of-way, special use licenses, culvert crossings, pumping permits, filming, commercial activities, and bosque access permits.
- Application Fees: Fees for processing license applications, land sales applications, and other administrative services. Includes 1.9% credit card processing fee.
- Traffic Gate Installation: Cost-sharing arrangement for traffic gate installations on MRGCD facilities where requestors pay material costs and MRGCD provides fabrication, installation, and maintenance.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Utility License (Lateral) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Utility License (Main Canal or Drain) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Culvert Crossing (Public) |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Special Use License |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Commercial Filming/Staging |
| Subscription | Annual | Bosque Access Key |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | New Turnout Application |
| Subscription | Multi-year contract | Water Leasing Program |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Photocopies and Records |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
MRGCD product offering
Product offeringCore offering
MRGCD operates as a quasi-governmental conservancy district delivering irrigation water through more than 1,100 miles of canals and laterals to approximately 59,000 acres of farmland across four divisions (Cochiti, Albuquerque, Belen, and Socorro) in central New Mexico. Beyond core water delivery, the district administers rights-of-way licensing, water leasing programs, on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements, bosque stewardship, and real-time water gauging services. MRGCD also coordinates Prior and Paramount water rights deliveries to six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos and manages compliance with the Rio Grande Compact.
Product overview
MRGCD is a water conservancy district providing irrigation water delivery and management services across the Middle Rio Grande Valley in New Mexico. The organization operates a portfolio of interconnected services centered on water delivery infrastructure, conservation programs, and water monitoring technology. Core offerings include irrigation services with multiple delivery systems, the One Rain water gauging platform for real-time monitoring, conservation and water leasing programs for agricultural sustainability, and bosque stewardship for riparian habitat management. The district maintains extensive canal networks across five divisions (Cochiti, Albuquerque, Belen, and Socorro) serving approximately 60,000 acres of irrigated land.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Irrigation Services Core irrigation water delivery services to agricultural lands across the Middle Rio Grande Valley, including water allocation, turnout management, and irrigation scheduling for farmers and irrigators through canals and laterals managed by Irrigation Systems Operators (ISOs).
- MRGCD One Rain Water Gauging Platform Real-time water monitoring and gauging platform providing flow data, upstream water levels, and diversion measurements across MRGCD service areas, with accessible dashboards for Cochiti, Albuquerque North/South, Belen East/West, and Socorro divisions.
- Conservation Program Comprehensive water management program focused on increasing district resilience to variable water supply through water delivery system efficiency improvements, on-farm irrigation efficiency, and voluntary water leasing for farmers and irrigators.
- Water Leasing Program Program allowing irrigators to temporarily lease water back to the district, providing operational flexibility for balancing irrigation delivery, Rio Grande Compact obligations, and species conservation at $425 per enrolled acre for Full Season Lease (2022 rates).
- Bosque Stewardship Program Riparian forest restoration and management program focused on reducing wildfire risk, improving water conveyance, enhancing wildlife habitat, and managing invasive species in the Middle Rio Grande bosque.
- On-Farm Irrigation Conservation Program Program focused on irrigation delivery efficiency improvements through Irrigation Delivery Projects (IDPs) that install measurement structures, telemetry equipment, and enhanced delivery control systems for farms within the district.
- Rights-of-Way Management Licensing services for infrastructure installation, special use permits, land sales, traffic gates, and vegetation removal within MRGCD rights-of-way and property, with tiered pricing for utility licenses, culvert crossings, and special use.
- Bosque Vehicle Access Permit
Quantifiable outcome
- 59,057 acres of irrigated farmland served
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use MRGCD
Customer profileNamed customers7 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
MRGCD technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Integration1 record
Feature3 records
MRGCD partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and moderate.
- Bureau of ReclamationcoreThe Bureau of Reclamation is a key federal partner for MRGCD. Reclamation manages El Vado Dam storage and coordinates on water supply issues. MRGCD works with Reclamation's Safety of Dams program for infrastructure assessments and the Albuquerque Area Office for water management in the Upper Colorado Basin. The partnership involves joint water management decisions, storage coordination, and compliance with the Rio Grande Compact.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)coreMRGCD coordinates with BIA's Designated Engineer to ensure Prior and Paramount water deliveries to the six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos are made in compliance with federal obligations. During water shortages, MRGCD transitions to P&P-only operations under BIA direction.
- New Mexico Office of the State EngineercoreMRGCD partners with the NMOSE on the Water Leasing Program, working together to reduce regional water demand and provide flexibility for water resources management.
- National Fish and Wildlife FoundationcoreNFWF is a partner in the Emergency Water Leasing Program (EWLP), providing funding and administrative support for the conservation program that compensates willing irrigators to forego water deliveries.
- U.S. Army Corps of EngineersmoderateThe USACE constructed Cochiti Dam and reservoir in the 1970s, which incorporated MRGCD diversion intakes. Ongoing coordination on flood control and infrastructure matters.
- Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority (ABCWUA)moderateCoordination on water management issues affecting the Albuquerque metropolitan area, sharing of resources and information on water supply and conservation.
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife ServicemoderatePartnership for species conservation and habitat management, particularly in relation to the bosque ecosystem and endangered species obligations under the 2016 Biological Opinion.
- CESOSS (Collaborative for International Education, Organization, Strengthening & Sustainability)moderatePartnership for the Acequia Walk & Talks Series - educational community events promoting acequia culture, water stewardship, and historical irrigation traditions in the South Valley.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
MRGCD competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Imperial Irrigation District: One of the largest irrigation districts in the western U.S., delivering Colorado River water to Imperial Valley farms. Comparable large-acreage, assessment-funded irrigation district with similar conservancy-style governance.
- South San Joaquin Irrigation District: California irrigation district operating an extensive canal network to serve agricultural customers. Comparable acreage-based water delivery, assessment revenue, and operational scale.
- Turlock Irrigation District: California irrigation district delivering water to agricultural customers with assessment-based funding and canal infrastructure. Comparable conservancy district operating model serving farmers via open-channel conveyance.
- Merced Irrigation District: California irrigation district providing water delivery, hydroelectric generation, and recreation services to agricultural customers. Comparable assessment-funded district with mixed agricultural/urban stakeholder base.
- Elephant Butte Irrigation District: New Mexico irrigation district serving the Lower Rio Grande Valley with similar surface water irrigation delivery, assessments, and water rights administration. Closely comparable operating model, geography, and drought exposure.
Broad incumbents
- Bureau of Reclamation: Federal agency that owns and operates major dams and reservoirs (including El Vado) supplying MRGCD's irrigation water. Comparable role as water infrastructure operator and Rio Grande Compact steward.
- Salt River Project: Arizona water and power utility providing irrigation water delivery to agricultural users alongside electric generation. Comparable conservancy-style water delivery to farmers with similar multi-stakeholder (Municipal, Agricultural, Tribal) obligations.
- Central Arizona Project: Large-scale Colorado River water delivery system serving municipal, agricultural, and tribal users in Arizona. Comparable long-distance conveyance infrastructure, federal partnership profile, and multi-purpose water management mandate.
Others
- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: Federal partner that influences MRGCD operations through the 2016 Biological Opinion and bosque habitat management. Comparable ecosystem-stewardship role in the Middle Rio Grande and a regulatory counterpart for water deliveries.
Regional players
- Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority: Regional water utility serving the Albuquerque metro area with which MRGCD actively coordinates on water management. Comparable New Mexico water delivery, federal/state coordination, and overlapping customer geography.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
MRGCD social profiles
Digital presenceMRGCD financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
MRGCD leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles11 records
MRGCD funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
MRGCD M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about MRGCD
What does MRGCD do?
MRGCD operates as a quasi-governmental conservancy district delivering irrigation water through more than 1,100 miles of canals and laterals to approximately 59,000 acres of farmland across four divisions (Cochiti, Albuquerque, Belen, and Socorro) in central New Mexico. Beyond core water delivery, the district administers rights-of-way licensing, water leasing programs, on-farm irrigation efficiency improvements, bosque stewardship, and real-time water gauging services. MRGCD also coordinates Prior and Paramount water rights deliveries to six Middle Rio Grande Pueblos and manages compliance with the Rio Grande Compact.
Is MRGCD a public or private company?
MRGCD is a private company. It is classified as state government owned and is currently operating.
When was MRGCD founded?
MRGCD was founded in 1925. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is MRGCD based?
MRGCD is headquartered in Albuquerque, United States, in the North America region.
How does MRGCD make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Water Service Charges are the primary driver. The others are assessments, licensing Fees, application Fees and traffic Gate Installation.
Who are MRGCD's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Imperial Irrigation District, South San Joaquin Irrigation District, Turlock Irrigation District, Merced Irrigation District and Elephant Butte Irrigation District. Broad incumbents are Bureau of Reclamation, Salt River Project and Central Arizona Project. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is listed as an others. Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority is listed as a regional player.
Does MRGCD have an API?
No public API is recorded for MRGCD.
What industry is MRGCD in?
MRGCD's product category is Irrigation Water Management Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAAACAG, Pipes, Tubing & Conveyance Infrastructure (Mainlines, Laterals, Hoses), with a secondary code of AFAAACAJ, Drainage & Field Water Management (Tile Drainage, Ditches, Water Table Control). Its NAICS code is 221310 and its SIC code is 4941.