The Flume is an aqueduct located in Carlsbad, New Mexico near North Highway 285 on Westridge Road off Callaway Drive (behind Carlsbad Medical Center).
This concrete structure serves as a channel to divert water for the irrigation of farmland in the area. Built in 1890 to take water from the Pecos River to water desert crops, the original structure was washed away by a flood in 1902.
In 1903 it was rebuilt and at the time was the world’s largest concrete structure. Ripley’s Believe It or Not! featured the Flume because it made the Pecos River the only river in the world that crosses itself. The project started as a private enterprise by Charles B. Eddy and Pat Garrett (yes, THE Pat Garrett of Billy the Kid fame) and was sold to the government just before statehood. It was renamed the Carlsbad Irrigation Project and is currently managed by the Carlsbad Irrigation District. The Flume is approximately 497’ long and 47’ high and is on the National Register of Historic Places (SRCP #408).
The Flume is still used by property owners to water crops and orchards and is a popular place for family photos and senior pictures, offering a stunning backdrop especially at sunset. There are many things to enjoy in this area such as fishing along the Pecos River, a walking path around the historical Heritage Park, the Carlsbad Spring, picnic tables with space to relax, and a great view of the Riverside Golf Course.
It is also a decent place to drop a kayak in the water and head up the river to the beach area. When there is water running through it, a steady leak drips water on cars when they pass beneath it, and when it is below freezing outside, the water freezes into massive icicles which are fun to see and photograph.
Just down from the Flume is Carlsbad Spring Park. In the early 1950s, the spring flowed about 2,000 gallons of water per minute; now it flows as a trickle. Even though it does not flow as it once did, the water is cold and clear. An entry in the chronological history of Carlsbad available for viewing on the Southeast New Mexico Historical Society’s website reads: “1899-03-25 EC: The first local ad for bottled Carlsbad Spring Water, available at Gambles. (The name was chosen by the Tansills, who owned the spring, and who had been told, they said, that the waters were very similar to those at the famous spa of Karlsbad, Austria.)”
I recall hearing that Carlsbad was named after this spring, and that it was sought after for its supposed healing properties, similar to those of that spa in Karlsbad, Austria, an interesting fact that Carlsbad Spring Water was marketed throughout the Southwest for a time. It was May 23, 1899 when the town of Eddy changed its name to Carlsbad. In 1911 there was an attempt to change the name of Carlsbad to Carlsbad Springs, but the vote failed 141 to 91.
When I moved to Carlsbad in 2012, the Flume and surrounding area was the first ‘spot’ I found and has since remained a favorite. If you have not made it by the Flume, Carlsbad Spring Park, or Heritage Park (which is home to the first homestead built in the County of Eddy, The Eddy House) take a moment to stroll through the beginnings of our community. Try going at sunset for optimal viewing, you will see people fishing, families walking, and quite possibly a photo session.
The Flume Timeline
Work began on the wooden flume.
Wooden flume completed.
Flume washed out by flooding.
Old flume torn down.
Three arch forms completed.
Concrete flume completed and water flowing again.
A mighty flood sweeps down the valley, the flume remains intact but the ends wash out.
Bureau of Reclamation completed enlarging footings to concrete pillars
Frank Kindel rode his motorcycle across the Flume for the motion pictures on the 21st.
Carlsbad Irrigation Project listed as a National Historic Landmark.
E.T. Carter family donates 24 acres for the Flume Park.
Several reports of UFO over the Flume.
County commission approves $5,000 to light the flume.
Construction for lights begin.
Lights on.
