San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Project Serves Area
Published Jul 07, 2009
This station pumps water from the river to the treatment plant.
In December 2008, purified river water from the Rio Grande began flowing into the taps of Albuquerque homes and businesses.
This was thanks to the $400 million San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Project, which will eventually supply up to 90 percent of the metropolitan area’s water needs. Previously, the primary water source for Albuquerque residents was an underground aquifer, and people had long thought its supply was infinite.
However, city officials learned decades ago that the aquifer’s lifespan was limited, so plans were made to divert water from the San Juan and Chama rivers in the north to the Rio Grande, which travels through the heart of Albuquerque.
iFeliz Cumpleaños!
Happy double-digit birthday – soon.
The National Hispanic Cultural Center will celebrate its 10th birthday in 2010, with a continuing mission to preserve and promote the culture of the Spanish-speaking world. Since it opened in 2000, the center has staged more than 20 art exhibitions and 400 programs in visual, performing and literary arts.
Various buildings on the 50-acre campus in Albuquerque speak to the history and culture of the Hispanic community, with their architectural styles representing Spain, Mesoamerica and early New Mexico.
More information: www.nhccnm.org.
Cliff’s Noteworthy Rides
Been thrilled lately?
Cliff’s Amusement Park in Albuquerque is open from April through September, offering attractions that include thrill rides, family rides, water rides and Kiddyland. In all, there are 23 rides as well as arcade games and concessions.
For thrill seekers, the most daring rides include Cliff Hanger, Demolition Disco, Galaxi Roller Coaster, Musik Express, Sea Dragon, SideWinder and Yo-Yo – plus New Mexico Rattler, categorized as the state’s only super-coaster.
More information: www.cliffs.net.
Al Capone Was Here?
Jemez Springs is a nice stop on the Jemez Mountain Trail National Scenic Byway. The village in Sandoval County is said to have been a favorite of none other than Al Capone.
According to legend, the notorious gangster frequented one of the bathhouses in Jemez Springs and maintained a nearby hideout in the mountains. Capone supposedly liked Jemez Springs for its healing mineral waters that originate in natural hot springs.
As for other attractions, the November 2008 issue of Budget Travel magazine pointed out that Jemez Springs is also charming because of its art galleries and sunny cafes.
Wild Blue Yonder
They are just plane busy at Kirtland Air Force Base.
The massive base, covering 51,558 acres, is in the southeastern quadrant of Albuquerque, adjacent to Albuquerque International Sunport. With more than 22,000 workers, it is the largest employer in New Mexico.
Kirtland is home to the 377th Air Base Wing, whose primary mission is to provide munitions maintenance, readiness and support. It is the third-largest installation in the Air Force Materiel Command.
Animal Houses
This place is a zoo – and an aquarium, botanic garden and beach.
Albuquerque Biological Park encompasses the Albuquerque Aquarium, Rio Grande Botanic Garden, Rio Grande Zoo and Tingley Beach. The mission of the comprehensive environmental park is to enrich the quality of life for residents through education, recreation, conservation and research.
Among the aquarium’s attractions is a 285,000-gallon tank containing Gulf of Mexico saltwater, while the botanic garden includes a 10,000-square-foot glass conservatory. The zoo spans 64 acres and is home to 250 species of animals. Tingley Beach features a fishing lake and picnic areas.
More information: www.cabq.gov/biopark.
Wow Factor
They have been powwowing for 27 years.
More than 3,000 American Indian dancers and singers travel to Albuquerque each April for the Gathering of Nations PowWow. The participants represent 500 tribes, and the festivities take place at the University of New Mexico Arena, known as The Pit.
The powwow includes an Indian traders market, musical entertainment, authentic cuisine and the crowning of Miss Indian World. The event’s mission is to celebrate and educate about the culture, history and tribal traditions of North America’s original inhabitants.
More information: www.gatheringofnations.com.
Interest Peaked
Trivia answer: The world’s longest aerial tramway is in Central New Mexico.
Sandia Peak Tramway provides passengers with a 2.7-mile trip from a base station at 6,559 feet of elevation to Sandia Peak, elevation 10,378. The tram travels at a top speed of 12 mph and can transport up to 220 passengers every hour.
A ride aboard the tram gives passengers a view of canyons, hills and mountains.
More information: www.sandiapeak.com.
Musical Cheers
Take note: Salsa Under the Stars is a concert series held for three months in an amphitheater near Old Town Albuquerque.
The performances take place on Friday nights from 7 to 10 p.m., with the 2009 schedule set through Aug. 28. The New Mexico Jazz Workshop Institute of Music sponsors the series.
Other summertime events that pull in big crowds in Albuquerque include Q-Jam, New Mexico Jazz Festival and Freedom Fourth.
Story by Kevin Litwin
Photo by courtesy of the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority
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