Carlsbad Irrigation District, Irrigation system in Eddy County, New Mexico, US.

The Carlsbad Irrigation District is a water reclamation system near Carlsbad in southeastern New Mexico, begun in the 1880s and managed by the United States Bureau of Reclamation. It diverts water from the Pecos River and the Black River through the Avalon Dam, which serves as a diversion and regulation point, and the Brantley Dam, now its primary storage. The district also manages the main canals and the gatehouses that control water flow.

The irrigation project started in 1889 when Charles B. Eddy and Pat Garrett constructed the Avalon Dam to manage water in the lower Pecos River valley. This early infrastructure laid the foundation for permanent settlement and agriculture in the region.

The irrigation network allowed early settlers to establish agricultural communities in a region that would otherwise be too dry for farming. Today, the canals remain visible throughout the landscape as a reminder of how water shaped this area's development.

The district office operates Monday through Thursday from 7 AM to 4 PM and manages water rights and allocation for local farmers. Visitors can stop by to learn how the system functions and ask questions about the water distribution network.

The district's administrative offices are housed in historic buildings in downtown Carlsbad, including the First Bank of Eddy building. This location connects local history with the daily operations of water management.