Strategic Water Reserve
Introduction
In 2005 a broad coalition of stakeholders came together to support legislation creating the Strategic Water Reserve. The legislation authorized the Interstate Stream Commission to acquire water and water rights to be used for specific purposes. An additional purpose was added in 2025. The three purposes are:
- To comply with interstate river compacts and court decrees;
- To assist in efforts to benefit threatened and endangered species or to avoid additional listings; and
- To support aquifer recharge or reduce ground water depletion, in order to promote stream flow or other environmental benefits.
The Interstate Stream Commission may acquire water or water rights for the Reserve by purchase, lease, or donation from willing offerors. The Commission may also construct and operate infrastructure to deliver water where it is needed for these purposes.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Anne Maurer, Strategic Water Reserve Technical Lead, at Anne.Maurer@ose.nm.gov or 505-490-5771.
Basic Documents
Annual Priorities for Strategic Water Reserve
The Interstate Stream Commission sets river reach and groundwater basin priorities annually for the acquisition of water, water rights, or storage rights for the Reserve.
Current Strategic Water Reserve Priorities
2026 Priority River Reaches
- Middle Rio Grande
- Lower Rio Grande (below Elephant Butte Reservoir)
- Lower Pecos River (below Sumner Reservoir)
- Black River, a tributary to the Lower Pecos
- Canadian River
- San Juan River
2026 Priority Groundwater Basins
- Middle Rio Grande Basin
- Lower Rio Grande Basin
- Lower Pecos River Basin (which includes the Black River)