• New Mexico anticipates a 25% reduction in water supply by 2074.
• The 50-Year Water Action Plan focuses on conservation, new water sources, and watershed protection.
• $500 million will be invested in desalination and wastewater treatment.
• Key infrastructure projects and community collaborations are prioritized.

August 13, 2024 — Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham has unveiled New Mexico’s ambitious 50-Year Water Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to address the state’s growing water challenges. With climate change threatening to reduce New Mexico’s water supply by 25% over the next five decades, the plan emphasizes the urgency of securing a sustainable water future for all residents.

“Water holds profound significance in New Mexico, and its future is at risk due to the impacts of climate change,” said Governor Lujan Grisham in the preamble to the plan. “This plan is our roadmap to ensure that future generations have access to clean water, thriving agriculture, and a strong economy.”

The plan outlines several key strategies, including developing new water supplies through innovative technologies like desalination and wastewater treatment. A $500 million investment will be directed toward these efforts to produce 100,000 acre-feet of new water by 2028.

Water conservation is another cornerstone of the plan, with initiatives to educate the public and promote efficient irrigation technologies in the agricultural sector. By 2050, the state aims to reduce agricultural water use by 20% while maintaining economic viability.

Additionally, the plan prioritizes watershed protection and the modernization of critical infrastructure. Efforts will focus on cleaning up contaminated groundwater, reducing wildfire risks in key watersheds, and repairing aging water systems to prevent further loss.

Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration emphasizes that collaboration with federal, Tribal, and local partners will be essential in executing this plan. The goal is to conserve and protect New Mexico’s water resources and build a resilient infrastructure that can support the state’s growth and environmental health well into the future.

“Our heritage of forward-thinking water management will guide us,” the Governor added. “Together, we can rise to meet this moment and secure a strong water future for New Mexico.”

Download the 50-Year Water Action Plan here.

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