Gov. Michelle Lujan unveiled a 50-year water action plan at the State Capitol today with the goal of ensuring New Mexicans will have access to clean water for the next five decades.  

As one of the driest states in the west, almost three-fourths of the state is currently experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. In 50 years, water experts predict the state will have 25 percent less water to use.

With the help of leading scientists, hydrologists, geologists, and researchers Gov. Lujan-Grisham’s administration created a 50-Year Water Action Plan to safeguard the state’s most precious resource for future generations. 

“New Mexicans throughout the State need to take actions now to ensure we can have resilient water supplies in the future. The 50-Year Water Action Plan elements are guided by science and innovation to ensure that our diverse communities and economies will continue to thrive,” said Lujan Grisham. 

Taking into consideration input from nations, tribes, pueblos, acequias, farmers, and other stakeholders, the 50-Year Water Action Plan focuses on expanding water conservation in cities and on farms, developing new water supplies and enhancing water quality protections.

“Thanks to the Governor for prioritizing water issues and developing a proactive plan for helping New Mexicans respond to the challenges of climate change. By working with partners at the Federal level, the State will be able to protect its water resources for generations to come,” said U.S. Rep. Melanie Stansbury. 

“The Governor’s 50-Year Water Action Plan recognizes the importance of Tribal Water Rights and honors our tradition of working together to address the challenges we will see as a result of climate change,” said Gov. J. Michael Chavarria, Pueblo of Santa Clara. 

Key provisions of the 50-Year Water Plan include: 

·   A water education campaign to reduce community water consumption by 10%. 

·  Expanding water conservation by incentivizing modern irrigation technology to reduce agricultural water use by 20%. 

· Deploying cutting-edge technology to complete a statewide water loss inventory. 

· Creating billions of gallons of new water for use for clean energy manufacturing via the Strategic Water Supply. 

· A new surface water discharge permitting program to keep rivers, streams, and lakes clean.  

· Investing in reforesting and managing forests to protect water supplies and reduce the threat of wildfires.