Water availability and usage on the New Mexico/Mexico border

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Public Health
• Water Resource Management

Background:

• New Mexico, an arid/semiarid border state, experiences chronic surface-water shortages and groundwater overdraft.
• Groundwater quality is compromised by natural elements (salinity, uranium, fluoride, arsenic) and point/nonpoint source pollution.
• Extensive contamination affects numerous water supply wells and river systems, impacting public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To highlight the critical water availability, usage, and quality issues in New Mexico.
• To underscore the urgent need for integrated solutions addressing public health concerns.
• To advocate for a comprehensive statewide water management plan aligned with public health initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Review of New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) data on groundwater contamination.
• Analysis of NMED reports on river and stream pollution.
• Assessment of water resource challenges in the context of population growth and public health goals.

Main Results:

• 1,400 groundwater contamination cases and 1,907 affected water supply wells identified by NMED.
• 92% of New Mexico's flowing rivers and streams impacted by nonpoint source pollution.
• Significant water quality and quantity issues pose risks to public health and regional sustainability.

Conclusions:

• Critical water issues in New Mexico necessitate a holistic and sustainable management approach.
• Existing public health objectives require a robust statewide water management plan.
• Addressing water challenges is crucial for the well-being of communities along the U.S./Mexico border.