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Introduction
Water systems in New Mexico face serious issues related
to inadequate or deteriorating infrastructure; declining aquifers; reduced
water supply; and inability to meet new water quality regulations and
prepare for drought conditions. All of these have the potential to adversely
impact public health and community and economic viability. Given these
issues across the state, several New Mexico funding and regulatory agencies
are participating in this project to develop a more effective and efficient
means of planning for and funding water resource and infrastructure needs
to ensure long-term sustainability. To this end, a collaborative area
wide water planning process has been developed which demonstrates a highly
innovative approach to water resource planning. Through this collaborative
process, communities can identify the available water supply and demand
characteristics and reach mutual agreement on ways to acquire, produce,
deliver, conserve, or reuse water more efficiently in New Mexico. 
Purpose
The main purpose of this project is to assist drinking
water systems in creating area-wide collaborative solutions to meet the
current and future drinking water needs of New Mexico.
Definitions
Area-wide is not defined by any particular political
or physical boundaries, nor does it require a certain number of participants
in order to be successful. An area-wide collaborative group is determined
by the ability of communities, neighbors, municipalities and water systems
to work effectively together sharing ideas, resources and implementing
plans for a common purpose. It is good old fashioned barn-raising applied
to water resources.
| Benefits of Participating
in an Area-Wide Collaborative Water Planning Group (Goals)
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- Promotes collaboration and coordination among water systems
drawing from the same water source, and assistance for troubled
water systems affected by a depleted water source during periods
of drought
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- Establishes mutual agreements between communities, neighbors,
municipalities and water systems for planning and implementation
of water projects to ensure current and future drinking water
needs.
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- Increases funding opportunities through collaborative solutions
by combining planning, technical and engineering studies for water
projects.
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- Improves the efficiency of water systems operations and management
through cooperation.
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- Ensures that water conservation measures are implemented effectively
to protect a shared water source.
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Funding:
This project is funded by the Governor and State Legislature of New Mexico
through the Department of Finance and Administration and the Office
of the State Engineer.
Support:
This project is supported by Office
of the State Engineer, Department
of Finance and Administration Local Government Division, New
Mexico Environment Department Drinking Water Bureau and Construction
Programs Bureau, and the New
Mexico Finance Authority.
Project Technical and Facilitation Resources:
Anne Watkins,
Special Assistant to the State Engineer has served as the Lead for the
Technical Team that has organized the regional collaboration initiative.
New
Mexico Environmental Finance Center, New
Mexico Rural Water Association, Rural
Community Assistance Corporation, and The
Community Store.
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