Filling the Gap: Meeting Future Urban and Domestic Water Needs in Southwestern New Mexico
The report shows that the proposed Gila diversion project, despite a committed federal subsidy under the Arizona Water Settlements Act (AWSA), would still burden ratepayers in SW New Mexico or state tax payers with $300 million needed to cover project costs, as well as additional annual operating costs of over $6 million. New analysis also found that the water supply ‘gap’ between cities’ water supplies and new demands is only 35 acre feet and this amount can be entirely met with currently available water conservation practices and strategies.
This assessment provides several key recommendations for water planners and policy makers that can help New Mexico chart a path forward to meet the water needs of the region without expensive infrastructure and sacrificing the state’s important freshwater resources.
