OPINION: Effective water management is essential for all New Mexicans

New Mexico faces a water crisis that demands immediate action.

The last two years were two of the hottest on record. Forecasts predicting low snowpack and reduced runoff this year are alarming. Extreme water shortages create hardships for communities throughout the state. Last summer, the Rio Grande ran dry for more than 50 miles between Albuquerque and the Elephant Butte Reservoir. Elephant Butte plummeted to just 3% full — one of the lowest lake levels on record. Communities like Albuquerque, Santa Fe and Middle Rio Grande farmers received only one-third of their full supply from the Colorado River.

The Office of the State Engineer and Interstate Stream Commission are laser-focused on addressing critical water needs, particularly in the Rio Grande Basin. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham’s 50-Year Water Action Plan and the Water Security Planning Act provide a solid roadmap to secure our collective water future. The historic settlement of Texas v. New Mexico litigation, and the work ahead to implement that settlement, will support water supplies for southern New Mexico communities for generations to come. But success requires that we manage every drop carefully. The crisis in the Middle Rio Grande — the supply that supports municipal and agricultural users, small and large — demands equally bold action.

We have identified two urgent priorities to advance during this budget-focused legislative session.

Our first priority is to replenish the water supply at Elephant Butte. The Rio Grande Compact, which is the agreement between New Mexico and our neighboring states about how river flows are shared, requires us to deliver water to the reservoir. The compact also allows storage in upstream reservoirs like Heron and Abiquiu only when New Mexico has more than 400,000 acre-feet stored in downstream reservoirs. Today, we have less than half that amount, which means we can't store water upstream. This dramatically restricts water management flexibility and efficiency.

More water in Elephant Butte benefits communities throughout the basin, including those whose livelihoods depend on the local recreation economy. Simply put, all New Mexicans who rely on the Rio Grande need a full lake at Elephant Butte. To get there, we need improved metering and monitoring of water users, more voluntary conservation and new water management strategies and supplies.

Our second priority is to expand the Strategic Water Reserve. This reserve provides water the state must deliver to downstream neighbors under interstate water agreements. It also supports endangered species, allows water to soak into the ground to help refill underground aquifers, promotes stream flow and protects habitats.

We need the Legislature's help. Our funding request seeks to add capacity to water management teams so they can effectively enforce rules and accurately measure and monitor water use. The budget bill passed by the House includes more than $28.5 million across multiple programs related to these two priorities — a critical infusion for all New Mexicans who rely on the Rio Grande and other water lifelines.

The challenges we face are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. With strong leadership, reliable funding, community collaboration and a shared commitment to conservation and innovation, we will secure a future where our rivers flow, our fields thrive and our communities grow stronger — even in the face of climate change.

Last season's hardships should be a turning point. Together, we can build a resilient water future for all New Mexicans.

Elizabeth Anderson is the New Mexico state engineer. Hannah Riseley-White is the director of the Interstate Stream Commission.