TOP OF MIND: Should the proposed "baby bonds" pass during the next legislative session?

Top of Mind is a weekly question about an issue affecting New Mexicans.

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

As the New Mexico Environment Department continues discussion of allowing treated water reuse on Aug. 12-14, the question should be put to the residents who will drink, and use, said water. Do you feel the reused water should be allowed in the water supply? Are you confident in N.M.’s ability to safely treat the water for day-to-day use?

“Our current fresh water drinking system has millions of barrels of water and is constantly being analyzed and treated for any concerning changes in the water quality i.e. day to day. The treated water from oil and gas will also require continuous analysis, though its parameters for use will vary.”

— Stephen Hightower, Rio Rancho

“State leaders and legislators must not succumb; our water regulations are to be upheld. The dangerous reuse plan is a ruse. Mega companies will say and do anything to feed their greed at the expense of our health and generations to come.”

—Leaka Watchempino, Pueblo of Acoma

“Given this state’s dismal record of non-achievement in so many initiatives one must be wary in the instant case. That said we have an incredible wealth of talent and expertise in our national labs and private sector that, if effectively used, could result in safely treating oil and gas wastewater.”

— Dave Coulie, Albuquerque

“The use of wastewater from the oilfields should certainly be expanded, but New Mexico should not be the one to render it usable. The oil companies should be required to treat the wastewater they produce to at least agricultural standards and sell it at extant prices.”

— Bruce Moffitt, Sandia Park

“Water supplies in New Mexico are not expected to meet future demands. Standards for treatment and discharge of any water source exist. The Water Quality Control Commission and NMED are focused on safe reuse of non-traditional waters including produced water. Use treated produced water if it meets the standards for New Mexico.”

— Terri Hightower, Rio Rancho

“Yes, treatment capabilities exist, and we have the ability to treat it. This would encourage better outcomes and oversight than the out-of-sight disposal now occurring. We must take action now to make use of the water to extend the life of our fresh water supplies. N.M. needs this legislation.”

— Jerri Pohl, Moriarty

“Water purification and reuse should be a New Mexico staple. It is more a question of can New Mexico both afford and maintain proper treatment. We have the knowledge to do so, and we should work to find the capital to treat and reuse. We need to plan for the future and develop systems while we have water.”

— Alexander Jones, Los Lunas

“It is far too early to expand the use of fracking wastewater outside the oilfield. The oil and gas industry’s witnesses in the WQCC hearing on this issue stated unequivocally the studies they cite are only to demonstrate that research is happening, not that science has determined treatment works.”

— Brian Sweeney, Santa Fe

THIS WEEK'S QUESTION

"Should the proposed baby bond, which allocates $6,000 for every New Mexican baby born after July 2025, be approved in the next 60-day legislative session?"

Submit your response at: https://www.abqjournal.com/site/forms/online_services/top_of_mind/

Responses must include your name and city of residence to be published.