This was an important presentation and discussion on the ongoing aridification of New Mexico caused by higher temperatures. David Gutzler and David DuBois presented how and why New Mexico is drying, what we can expect, and the certainty of the science. The science of global warming impacts on New Mexico’s climate will guide us in how we manage and protect our scarce and life-sustaining water supplies.
New Mexico entered 2026 with a 132,000 acre-foot delivery debt and 68,000 acre-feet of margin before it violates the Rio Grande Compact. Through July the state is another 37,000 acre-feet behind, 87 miles of riverbed are dry, and Elephant Butte holds 27,000 acre-feet — 1.3 percent of capacity. A dry 2027 could push the debt […]