Compact Compliance
Staring into New Mexico’s Water Supply Abyss
Water managers along the Middle Rio Grande (MRG) and across New Mexico increasingly feel as if they are staring into an abyss of water shortages for increasing numbers of users who depend on water supplies for drinking, for economic growth, and even for the survival of our present-day economy. The reliable supply of NM’s surface…
Read MoreUNM’s Middle Rio Grande Water Data Dashboard: Status Report & What’s Next
The Water Data Dashboard will be online at the end of this semester as an interactive website prototype with integrated graphic views and drill-down features, illustrating where our water comes from, where it is going, and what we need to know but don’t.
Read MoreReminding Reclamation about a Key Issue and an Essential Resource
Reclamation listed key issues and important resources it will consider in its Environmental Impact Statement evaluation of reducing the waste of water caused by its 1950s failed river infrastructure. Surprisingly, Reclamation did not list the limited Rio Grande Compact water apportionment to New Mexico, for depletion within the Middle Rio Grande, as a resource that should be protected. Compliance with the compact delivery requirements is a key issue the EIS must fully consider.
Read MoreArgentine Fulbright Scholars Recommendations for New Mexico’s Water Future
20 Argentine Fulbright Scholars evaluated and made recommendations for the Middle Rio Grande’s and New Mexico’s water future. Their insightful policy recommendations focused on sustainability, inclusion, equity, research, alliances, water governance reform, and public education and incentives. They characterized New Mexico’s water problems as community problems that require community-driven solutions through collective action.
Read MoreAgencies Are Addressing Water Losses South of San Acacia
On February 1, 2023, the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, the State Engineer, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation, and the Middle Rio Grande Conservancy District reported on their joint efforts to reduce Rio Grande water losses between San Acacia and the Elephant Butte Reservoir.
The effort is being driven by the needs of endangered species in a more-often drying river, and the requirements of the Rio Grande Compact. The Compact is
Read MoreNew Mexico Can’t Afford to Ignore the Compact
Failure to immediately control MRG water users and stop the roll toward violation of the Rio Grande Compact would, at best, represent gross negligence on the part of New Mexico’s Executive and Legislative Branches.
Read MoreNew Mexico Water Governance Reform is Essential to Increase Water Sustainability and Reduce Future Water Insecurity
New Mexico’s existing water governance is not working and is wrong for the 21st century.
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