In light of the growing water crisis, Environment New Mexico is advocating new laws to protect our water supply for the next generation of New Mexicans.

New Mexico is a desert state where water is a precious commodity. Unfortunately, there is a failure to conserve these supplies—pollution, population growth, and irresponsible development are putting our water in jeopardy.

Already, every gallon of surface water in New Mexico is spoken for—and water scarcity throughout the region is likely to worsen if drought conditions persist. Compounding these limitations on water supply is global warming and a relentless increase in demand, as the region’s booming economy fuels unprecedented population growth. Development in areas where there are few protections and little water threatens to overwhelm New Mexico’s water resources.

A plan of action
Environment New Mexico supports a sustainable water vision that will guarantee that we have a clean, available water supply for future generations:

Conserving our water resources: In order to conserve our water, we must balance use with a renewable supply. We can accomplish this by focusing growth where there is a sustainable, long-term supply of water and by monitoring and planning for our current and future use.

Preserving our natural environment: We must keep enough water in our rivers and streams to support recreation and wildlife. In order to preserve and protect our rivers for generations to come, we must control the amount of water removed from rivers and not withdraw water beyond what the rivers need to remain healthy.

Maintaining water quality: Pollution is exacerbating our water quantity problems by rendering countless gallons unsafe for use. We must reduce and prevent water pollution.

Maintaining a local supply of water: When groundwater is transferred from one part of the state to another, that water is no longer available to the communities and ecosystems where it originated. New Mexico needs transfer policies that encourage efficiency and temporary leasing, while preventing harm to ecosystems and communities.

Using our water efficiently: We must ensure all sectors of our economy use water wisely, not wastefully. In order to accomplish this, statewide water efficiency standards should be set for urban, agricultural, and energy uses.

With a growing population and a strained water supply, New Mexico decision-makers need to act now to make sure that New Mexicans have enough water to meet our needs—now and in the future.