Water Planning

Water Planning in New Mexico

Water runs through everything — through our homes and farms, shaping our rivers and landscapes — and increasingly, water is one of the greatest challenges we all face in New Mexico. An ongoing drought, paired with climate change, is causing water supplies to decline across New Mexico while use continues to grow. But in New Mexico, we’re not waiting; we’re learning from each other, getting more creative, and connecting through the challenge.

State Water Planning

State Water Planning in New Mexico is focused on the issues and impacts that come from sources external to New Mexico: interstate compacts, Indian water rights settlements, federal laws, and climate change. Through state water planning, NMISC aims to provide information and tools to all New Mexicans to help contextualize these external factors.

Learn more about State Water Planning here.

Regional Water Planning

Regional Water Planning in New Mexico focuses on water challenges that originate within New Mexico — including local supply needs, infrastructure gaps, drought impacts, and funding priorities. It translates statewide policy into practical, basin-level strategies developed with local governments, utilities, irrigation districts, acequias, and water systems.

Following passage of the 2023 Water Security Planning Act, the Interstate Stream Commission restructured regional planning to better equip communities facing projected water shortages.

Learn more about Regional Water Planning here and at www.MainStreamNM.org

View a map of Regional Water Planning Councils at the water mapping tool: https://diveintodata.mainstreamnm.org

50 Year Water Action Plan

The NM 50-Year Water Action Plan is a strategic initiative led by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham to protect and sustain New Mexico's water supply through conservation, innovation, and stakeholder collaboration, aiming to ensure resilient water resources for future generations.

Learn more about the 50 Year Water Action Plan here