Water systems in arid and semi-arid regions depend heavily on tributaries and natural springs that sustain river flow and ecological balance. In the Pecos River New Mexico region, these water sources play a crucial role in maintaining hydrological stability, supporting ecosystems, and sustaining communities that rely on shared water resources.
Understanding how tributaries contribute to river systems is essential for addressing modern water challenges, especially in areas affected by drought, climate variability, and increasing water demand.
In the Pecos River basin, tributaries and spring systems such as Goodenough Springs help regulate water flow and influence both environmental and human water use across the region and at transboundary scales.
To explore these issues, the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters will host a Science Talk titled “The Importance of Tributaries: Pecos River and Goodenough Springs.” The event will take place on Thursday, March 19, from 4:00 to 5:30 PM CT, bringing together experts who study hydrology, river systems, and watershed management in the southwestern United States.
Expert Perspectives on Tributaries and River Systems
The discussion will feature three speakers with extensive experience in hydrology and watershed science in this region Their work provides valuable insight into how tributaries influence the Pecos River New Mexico system and other interconnected water resources.
Ramon Saiz, Monitoring and Information Coordinator at Cache Creek Conservancy, works on watershed monitoring and environmental data management. His work focuses on understanding river systems through long-term data collection and community-based environmental stewardship.
Mauricio Flores, Hydrologist at the Southwest Research Institute, specializes in hydrological analysis and water resource systems. His research helps improve the understanding of how rivers, tributaries, and groundwater interact within complex watershed environments such as the Pecos River and Goodenough springs.
Ronald Green, Hydrologist and Independent Consultant, brings decades of experience in groundwater and spring systems. His expertise includes studying spring-fed systems like Goodenough Springs and evaluating their role in sustaining downstream water flows.
The session will be moderated by Raquel Neri Barranco, Programs Coordinator at the Permanent Forum of Binational Waters. Raquel is a Ph.D. student in environmental engineering focused on water systems, with experience in data analysis, modeling, and interdisciplinary research across academic, industry, and nonprofit settings.
Register and Join the Conversation
Events like this Science Talk help strengthen collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and the public interested in water management. By examining tributaries and springs in systems such as the Pecos River and Goodenough Springs the discussion aims to highlight the importance of small water sources in maintaining larger river networks.
Participants are invited to join this open conversation and learn from experts working on watershed science and hydrology.
Register for the event and be part of the discussion on March 19.