A discussion on unconventional water sources with Dr. Bruce Thomson, a UNM professor who teaches a wide range of environmental engineering courses. Bruce discussed issues related to the quality of water New Mexico is using and considering for future use and whether any of these unconventional water sources are viable and sustainable.
We estimate that only half (48%) of water directly consumed for anthropogenic purposes is supported by renewable replenishment; the other half (52%) has been unsustainable, meaning that it is causing depletion of reservoirs, aquifers, and river flows. The over-consumption of renewable water supplies is primarily due to irrigated agriculture, which accounts for 87% of direct […]