Water Use & Conservation
- OSE Home
- About WRAP
- WUC
- Water Use
- 40 Year Water Development Planning
40 Year Water Development Planning
A water development plan is document developed by a public water system that assesses the quantity of water needed to meet current and future demand in relation to the amount of water rights held by the system.
Having an approved water development plan on file with the Office of the State Engineer offers public water systems protection from forfeiture under §72-5-28 and 72-12-8 NMSA for water rights held under the approved plan.
Pursuant to §72-1-9 NMSA , the following categories of public water systems are eligible 40-year planning entities.
- Municipalities
- Counties
- School districts
- State universities
- Member-owned community water systems
- Special water users’ associations
- Public utilities
Content requirements for water development plans are governed by 19.26.2.19 NMAC , general agency policy, and specific requirements applicable to the system. Once submitted, the Water Use and Conservation Bureau will review all water development plans to ensure that they comply with all applicable requirements. Notification of approval/non-approval of the plan will then be provided to the system.
The general requirements for water development plans may be found at the link below. If you are beginning the planning process, please contact the Water Use and Conservation Bureau at water.nm@ose.nm.gov for any specific requirements for your system or with any questions.