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Lower Rio Grande (LRG)
Water Rights Purchase Program
What is the Purchase Program?
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) is developing a Water Rights Purchase Program to help meet a required reduction in groundwater use in the Lower Rio Grande (LRG).
The program will offer eligible water right owners the opportunity to voluntarily sell their groundwater rights to the State. Purchased rights will be permanently retired and removed from circulation to reduce overall groundwater pumping and support long-term water sustainability in the region.
Why This Matters
Groundwater use in the LRG has exceeded recharge for decades, putting long-term water supply at risk. Under a proposed legal settlement related to the U.S. Supreme Court Texas v. New Mexico, Original No. 141, the state of New Mexico must achieve 18,200 acre-feet of depletion reduction within 10 years of the agreement’s effective date and maintain that annual reduction in perpetuity. This represents about 5% - 7% of current use in the LRG. This program helps meet that requirement while:
Who This Impacts
This program will directly involve water right owners who choose to participate and affect the broader community, including:
- » Farmers and agricultural producers
- » Local businesses and service providers
- » Communities connected to the regional economy
- » Residents who rely on long-term water sustainability
Program Highlights
✓ Participation is voluntary—no one is required to sell
✓ Purchased water rights will be permanently retired and removed from circulation
✓ Community input is helping shape the program
✓ Retired rights will not become available for new appropriation
Program details, timelines, and engagement opportunities may continue to evolve as development moves forward.
Program Timeline
2025
▸ Initial program development
▸ Coordination with state, federal, and local partners
▸ Early stakeholder engagement begins
Early 2026
▸ Continued program development
▸ Ongoing coordination with local working groups
Spring 2026
▸ Draft purchase program design released for public review and comment
▸ Public meetings & online comment opportunities
Summer 2026
▸ Public input reviewed and incorporated
▸ Program approach refined
Mid-Late 2026
▸ Initial solicitation for water rights purchases released
Presentation
Recorded Information Session
Lower Rio Grande Water Rights Purchase Program Informational Session 6/3/2026
PUBLIC MEETINGS
The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission (NMISC) is developing a Water Rights Purchase Program to help meet a required reduction in groundwater use in the Lower Rio Grande (LRG).
The program will offer eligible water right owners the opportunity to voluntarily sell their groundwater rights to the State. Purchased water rights will be permanently retired and removed from circulation to reduce overall groundwater pumping and support long-term water sustainability in the region.
Attend a public meeting to learn more about the program, ask questions, and share your feedback.
Stay Involved!
Your input is important as the program continues to be developed. Attend a public meeting, learn more about the program, and share your feedback.
For questions or more information, contact:
NMISCPurchaseProgram@wsp.com
Ryan Serrano
✉ Ryan.Serrano@ose.nm.gov
☎ (505) 490-5408
Christina Hernandez
✉ Christina.Hernandez@ose.nm.gov
☎ (575) 248-3747