Resources
Water planning in New Mexico is a dynamic and evolving field. Staying up-to-date on the latest research, publications, and news is crucial for understanding the complexities of our water challenges and contributing to effective solutions.
This section provides a curated collection of resources to help you navigate the world of New Mexico water planning. Whether you’re a policymaker, researcher, ally, or concerned community member, you’ll find links to valuable information and insights here to deepen your understanding and empower your engagement in water issues.
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Publications and Research
New Mexico Water Use by Categories
This report provides a comprehensive overview of New Mexico’s water use by category—covering agricultural, municipal, industrial, and environmental demands—alongside trends and conservation initiatives to optimize resource management.
Publications and Research
Acequia Community Water Report: Prepared in Partnership with the 50 Year Water Plan
This acequia report explores 50-Year Water Plan priorities for New Mexico’s traditional irrigation systems, documenting viability challenges, cultural significance, and strategies to safeguard acequia resilience.
Publications and Research
New Mexico Tribal Water Report
This tribal water report explores tribal perspectives on enhancing water resiliency in New Mexico, outlines obstacles facing Indigenous communities, and suggests strategies to support tribal water sovereignty and planning.
Publications and Research
Resilience of Water Use Sectors to Climate Change in New Mexico
This resilience assessment analyzes New Mexico’s current and future water system risks—via community workshops, regional planning, and a six‑theme framework—and outlines strategies to enhance water resilience across the state.
Publications and Research
Facing New Mexico’s 21st Century Water Challenges
This report addresses urgent water challenges facing New Mexico, highlighting impacts of climate change, aging infrastructure, and resource scarcity, and recommends strategic investments for long-term water resilience.
Publications and Research
Climate Change in New Mexico Over the Next 50 Years
This bulletin examines climate projections for New Mexico over the next 50 years, analyzing critical impacts on water availability, management challenges, and strategies for future sustainability.
Water Compacts, Statutes, and Regulations
Aquifer Mapping Program at NMBGMR
This site outlines active NMBGMR hydrogeologic studies—including aquifer mapping and water‑quantity estimation—and provides status updates on research at specific study sites.
Water Compacts, Statutes, and Regulations
2019 Water Data Act 72-4B NMSA
The 2019 Water Data Act requires NM agencies to identify, integrate, and share key water data to support planning. It created a data platform, standards, and a fund for coordination and access.
Water Compacts, Statutes, and Regulations
2023 Water Security Planning Act 72-14A NMSA
New Mexico’s Water Security Planning Act (SB 337), signed April 4, 2023, empowers the ISC to fund regional water planning via loans and grants and sets rules for regional planning entities.
New Mexico Water Plans
2024 Plan: Water Data Initiative
This August 2024 Water Data Plan, developed by the NM Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources with ISC, presents statewide strategies for sharing and integrating water data to support water planning and resource security.
New Mexico Water Plans
Past State Water Plans
New Mexico’s Statewide Water Plan hub offers data, maps, reports and planning guidance to support statewide water management strategies, policy development, and stakeholder collaboration across communities.
New Mexico Water Agencies
NM Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources at NM Tech conducts geological, hydrological, and mineral research, provides data and maps, and supports responsible resource development statewide.
New Mexico Water Agencies
NM Environment Department
The New Mexico Environment Department protects and restores air, water, land, and public health through regulation, permitting, and public engagement to ensure environmental justice for all state communities.
New Mexico Water Agencies
ISC – Mainstream NM
Main Stream New Mexico—an ISC campaign—focuses on regional water security planning under the 2023 Water Security Planning Act, engaging communities and offering data tools, draft rules, and public input.
New Mexico Water Agencies
NM Interstate Stream Commission (ISC)
New Mexico’s Interstate Stream Commission, led by the State Engineer, develops and enforces interstate water compacts, negotiates river agreements, and oversees strategic water projects statewide.
New Mexico Water Agencies
Office of the State Engineer (OSE)
New Mexico’s Office of the State Engineer oversees permitting, groundwater and surface water allocation, conservation planning, dam safety, and real‑time monitoring for sustainable water management.