50-Year Water Action Plan
As New Mexicans face increasing water scarcity and emerging threats to our existing resources, we will meet our goal of providing sustainable clean water to communities by implementing this plan.
What is the impact on Agriculture
Agricultural producers could face limited water supplies and have to choose whether to reduce the amount of acreage planted or switch to alternative crops that use less water. Associated businesses such as seed suppliers and agricultural communities suppliers would receive reduced amounts of business as a result of reduced production.
What is the impact on Agriculture
Based on conservation of agricultural water uses and voluntary adoption of high efficiency irrigation technologies, agricultural producers are able to continue to produce high quality, drought resistant crops with less water.
What is the impact on Environment
New Mexico watersheds will be mroe rapidly restored after wildfire damages and responsible reforestation will reduce the risk of additional wildfires. Both human and wildlife communities can continue to thrive and grow, and New Mexico will be able to maintain economic growth through additional clean industrial uses.
What is the impact on Environment
New Mexico’s streams and aquifers are projected to contain 25% less water and the plants, animals and communities that rely on them would have to adapt to a drier, less green environment. Watersheds would be drier and more prone to forest fires. Erratic runoff would make areas prone to more flooding during severe storms. There could be even less water available for domestic uses and the available water would be less safe.
What is the impact on the economy
Industry and commercial activities will continue to thrive and expand. Industry will reuse produced water and use creative financing mechanisms such as an advanced market commitment to attract new businesses and industries to New Mexico
What is the impact on Economy
Industry and commercial opportunities may not choose to locate in New Mexico and existing industry could relocate to other locations.
What is the impact on communities
Industry and commercial activities will continue to thrive and expand. Industry will reuse produced water and use creative financing mechanisms such as an advanced market commitment to attract new businesses and industries to New Mexico.
What is the impact on communities
New Mexico’s cities and towns could be forced to restrict water uses – particularly outdoor uses. New Mexico’s cities and towns may not have flexibility to grow and attract new development.
Our Action Plan to Secure New Mexico’s Water Future
TO SECURE NEW MEXICO’S WATER SUPPLY FOR THE NEXT 50 YEARS AND BEYOND, WE WILL PRIORITIZE ACTIONS FOR WATER CONSERVATION, NEW WATER SUPPLIES and WATER AND WATERSHED PROTECTION.
Water Conservation
New Mexico’s water conservation traditions have been shaped over the centuries by our Pueblos, Tribes, acequias, rural areas, and cities and we rely on those communities to continue to develop innovative ways to conserve water. It is essential that we take actions together to preserve and protect the unique traditions we have here in the State while we build a platform for future generations through additional water conservation measures tailored to the changing climate.
New Water Supply
With projections of 25% less water available in 50 years, we must develop new sources of water while we conserve and protect our freshwater resources. Technological advances continue to make water treatment safer and more economically viable. This includes safely tapping and treating ancient underground reserves of brackish water to remove salt and other naturally occurring constituents, as well as the treatment of wastewater from industrial processes to remove harmful pollutants so the treated water may be used to offset demand for freshwater.
Water and Watershed Protection
New Mexicans enjoy iconic rivers and aquatic playgrounds at our many beautiful lakes and reservoirs. Yet, many of our precious surface waterbodies, forested watersheds, and groundwater resources are polluted or at risk of degradation due to human activity, natural disasters, extreme weather, and other threats. As we face realities of diminishing freshwater supplies in the coming decades, we are reminded that every drop counts. That means we have a responsibility to keep healthy water from becoming polluted while we double-down on efforts to clean up contaminated groundwater and impaired rivers and lakes in all corners of the State.
Message from the Governor
There are few places in the world where water holds such profound significance as here in New Mexico. The original inhabitants of the southwest have recognized the life-sustaining import of water for thousands of years. Today, it also holds immeasurable cultural, agricultural, ecological, economic, and recreational value. The effects of climate change now threaten this precious resource. By the time a Class of 2024 high school graduate reaches retirement age, New Mexico will have 25% less water than we do today in our already over-stressed communities, farms, and wilderness areas.
The science is clear: Precipitation will be more variable and extreme. Snowpack, runoff, and aquifer recharge will decline, stressing surface water and groundwater supplies. Higher temperatures and greater aridity will dry landscapes, leading to more extreme wildfires and increased erosion.
We cannot wait to act – and we are not.
We have the time, resources, and technology to secure a strong water future. We will draw upon New Mexico’s rich heritage of forward-thinking water management. We will build on the vital work of the 2022 New Mexico Water Policy and Infrastructure Task Force and harness expertise from water stewards across our diverse state, as well as from some of the finest research institutions in the world, including New Mexico universities and national laboratories. We will continue to use science, innovation, and cultural history as our reliable guides to navigate these water challenges while fostering greater economic opportunities and resilience for future generations of New Mexicans.
By following the path laid out in this plan, we not only ensure that New Mexicans have clean water now and into the future, but also that an advanced clean energy economy can continue to thrive, farmers and ranchers continue to grow the food that sustains us, and our rivers remain swift and clear.
Using the knowledge gained over countless generations and the cutting edge innovation of today, we are rising to meet this moment.
Sincerely,
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham
