Planned releases from Nicholas Reservoir this spring will mean more water for the Santa Fe River.
Utility officials say the releases will be managed to keep the reservoir at an acceptable level to ensure a buffer against snowmelt and other runoff as temperatures warm up.
They also say the releases will allow construction to move forward on a new intake tower at McClure Reservoir. That work will allow future runoff to be captured and treated for drinking water and irrigation needs and to boost river flows.
Under a city ordinance, up to 1,000 acre-feet can flow through Santa Fe and beyond.
For the current year, snowpack runoff was forecast at about 60 percent of average. Current flows will enable the city to meet this year's flow objectives.
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