In the aftermath of the Hermit’s Peak-Calf Canyon gigafire, the largest wildfire in New Mexico’s history, researchers have uncovered alarming insights into the long-distance propagation of water quality disturbances. A study led by Asmita Kaphle from the Department of Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering at the University of New Mexico, published in the journal ‘Frontiers in Water’ (which translates to ‘Frontiers in Water’), has shed light on the far-reaching impacts of wildfires on water quality, with significant implications for the energy sector and water management strategies.
The 2022 gigafire scorched over 1,382 km², affecting a critical watershed that supplies drinking water to Las Vegas, NM. Kaphle and her team conducted a comprehensive analysis of post-fire water quality dynamics across a 170 km fluvial network. Their findings reveal a stark reality: post-fire nutrient concentrations exceeded pre-fire medians by up to two orders of magnitude. “The sheer scale of nutrient mobilization was astonishing,” Kaphle noted. “We saw significant increases in nutrients like ammonium, phosphate, and nitrite near the burn perimeter, closely tied to discharge and turbidity.”
The study also uncovered contrasting patterns in metal mobilization. While calcium, magnesium, and manganese levels remained stable, trace metals such as chromium, lead, zinc, and strontium surpassed background levels and public health thresholds. “The propagation of these contaminants over hundreds of kilometers underscores the need for integrated watershed management strategies,” Kaphle emphasized.
For the energy sector, these findings are particularly relevant. Water quality disturbances can have cascading effects on energy infrastructure, including cooling systems for power plants and hydraulic fracturing operations. The mobilization of nutrients and metals can lead to increased treatment costs, operational disruptions, and potential regulatory non-compliance. “Understanding these dynamics is crucial for developing resilient water management practices that can withstand the growing frequency and severity of wildfires,” Kaphle added.
The research highlights the importance of large-scale flood control mechanisms and integrated watershed management to mitigate the far-reaching impacts of water quality disturbances post-fire. As wildfires continue to pose significant challenges to water quality management, the findings from this study could shape future developments in the field, ensuring that water resources remain sustainable and reliable for both communities and industries.
In an era of increasing environmental uncertainty, the insights from Kaphle’s research serve as a call to action for the energy sector and water managers to adopt proactive strategies that can withstand the growing threats posed by wildfires. By integrating these findings into their planning and operations, stakeholders can better prepare for the challenges ahead and ensure the long-term sustainability of water resources.