Our Region
El Paso is situated in the northern portion of the Chihuahuan Desert which is located primarily in the central Mexican plateau. Although summer temperatures can reach over 120 F, the winters can be quite cold and freezing temperature typically occur each year. This results from the relatively high elevation of many parts of the desert (elevation ranges from 350 m above sea level to over 1,500 m). The rainfall pattern is monsoonal with the majority of the precipitation occurring from June 15- Sept 30. Despite the low mean annual rainfall (208 mm or 8.2 inches), the World Wildlife Fund has ranked the Chihuahuan Desert as one of the most biologically diverse ecoregions in North America, in part because of the high degree of local endemism of the freshwater biota. This biodiversity mostly resides in isolated spring systems. The main water feature in our region of the Chihuahuan Desert is the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo. This highly impacted river is a major source of water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use as well as for a diversity of plants and wildlife. Groundwater aquifers are also pumped in the region for water supplies, typically at rates far greater than the rate of recharge. Please use the interactive map below to get to know the Rio Grande River Basin!
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