QUAY COUNTY, New Mexico — The state of Texas is entitled to call for a release of water from Ute Reservoir in New Mexico once the water mark reaches just above 200,000-acre feet.

It’s been since October of 2017, the last time there was a controlled release of water from Ute Reservoir in New Mexico. Canadian River Compact Commissioner Roger Cox tells ABC 7 News they have informed the state of New Mexico on Thursday Sept. 4th about a release of water from the Ute Reservoir now that the water depth has eclipsed the maximum capacity allowed.

“New Mexico has their able to store by compact 200,000-acre feet down stream of Conches,” said Drew Satterwhite, general manager of Canadian River Municipal Water Authority. “Were essentially watching the water levels at Ute because we have a water table that essentially shows water level equals water storage volume and when we hot that level, we’re on the phone calling or they’re on the phone coordinating releases.”

Ute Reservoir receives inflow from the Canadian River south of the Conches Dam; there are a number of creeks or streams that provide water to Ute Reservoir.

Once the water is released from Ute Reservoir the question becomes how long before it makes its way down the Canadian River and into Lake Meredith.

“Seven days, a couple of days, give or take,” said Satterwhite.

Not all of it makes its way to the lake (Lake Meredith) because of evaporation and other factors.

“There is evaporation, there’s seepage in the river channel, and so yes not 100% of the water will get here,” said Satterwhite.

“Canadian River was really flowing well, one area of the river coming into Lake Meredith was over 5-feet deep,” said Dave Wright, owner of Wright On Bait & Tackle. “That is equivalent to over 13-thousand cubic feet of water a second of water coming into the lake. That’s just one area plus all the other areas. There is some water being pumped out but that’s going to hurt us.”

Since the most recent measurement showed it’s just slightly above the 200-thousand-acre feet mark that means the release of water could potentially only be for a couple of hours to 24-hours.

There is a 50/50 chance of rain in the forecast over the weekend so if Ute Reservoir receives more inflow and precipitation, it will require another release pending the level.