• What is “The Living River Fund”?
• Will my contribution go directly to the Silvery Minnow?
• Can I contribute more than $1?
• What are all the ways I can contribute to “The Living River Fund”?
• Can I donate through a web payment or telephone payment?
• What if I forget to include the $1 in my “total due” amount?
• If I am on “Budget” billing can I participate in the Living River Fund?
• If I am on “Auto-Pay” billing can I participate in the Living River Fund?
• Is my contribution tax-deductible?
  
  
  

What is “The Living River Fund”?

The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority, in conjunction with six conservation groups, has established a special fund that will allow water rights to be purchased so that water can be kept in the Rio Grande rather than being diverted for other uses. This will benefit the river's ecosystem and help in preservation efforts for the endangered Silvery Minnow. This program is in addition to $225,000 that the Water Authority has contributed to a first-of-its-kind water leasing program that will lease water back from farmers so it can be kept in the river.

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Will my contribution go directly to the Silvery Minnow?

The Living River Fund will be used to establish a water rights purchase program in an effort to provide sustained flows for the Rio Grande and the endangered species that depend on it.  Your monetary contribution will go toward purchasing water for the environmental water pool.

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Can I contribute more than $1?

At this time only $1 dollar donations are accepted through your  water bill.  If you are interested in donating more then $1  you must bring your donation to the City Hall Treasury window, or you can click here to make a donation online. 

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What are all the ways I can contribute to “The Living River Fund”?

There are three ways you can contribute to the “The Living River Fund.”

1. Starting in October 2008 ratepayers can select the check-box on their water bill to make a $1 donation.
2. Ratepayers may bring their contribution of any amount to the City Hall Treasury window.
3. You can click here to make an online donation.

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Can I donate through a web payment or telephone payment?

Donations will not be accepted with telephone payments.  However, you can click here to make an online donation, or a $1 donation may be included in your mailed water bill payment.

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What if I forget to include the $1 in my “total due” amount?

If you choose to contribute $1 to the Living River Fund and do not adjust the total due amount your account will be past due by $1 dollar.  Your account will be subject to the collection process.

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If I am on “Budget” billing can I participate in the Living River Fund?

Ratepayers who participate in budget billing are not able to include the $1 donation on their monthly bill.  Interested budget billing ratepayers may bring their donation to the City Hall Treasury window, or click here to make a donation online.

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If I am on “Auto-Pay” billing can I participate in the Living River Fund?

Ratepayers who participate in the Auto-Pay program are not able to include the $1 donation on their monthly bill.  Interested auto-pay ratepayers may bring their donation to the City Hall Treasury window or click here to make a donation online.

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Is my contribution tax-deductible?

The Water Authority recommends that participants contact a tax advisor to determine whether your donation is tax-deductible.  The Water Authority cannot issue a year-end statement.  Your check will serve as your donation receipt.

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