Water is the foundation of New Mexico’s future. It affects whether communities can grow, businesses can expand, farms can operate, and families can stay. I believe securing our water supply requires planning ahead, protecting what we have, and investing in practical solutions that increase reliability over time. This is not a problem we can delay or solve with short-term fixes.
New Mexico is already facing long-term drought and rising demand. At the same time, water planning and infrastructure investment have not kept pace with the scale of the challenge. Protecting our future means using every responsible option available, including new technology and smarter infrastructure.
One promising opportunity is brackish water. Large volumes of slightly salty water sit deep underground across the state. Today, much of it can’t be used, but new treatment technology is changing that. I support investing in systems that can clean brackish water and make it usable for communities and industry. This creates a new source of supply that reduces pressure on rivers and freshwater aquifers. The legislature has already begun putting guardrails in place for brackish water projects, and I want to build on that work in a careful, common-sense way.
Preserving water and recharging aquifers is just as important. Too much water is lost through aging systems and outdated practices. I support upgrading infrastructure to reduce leaks, improve efficiency, and reuse water safely. Advanced wastewater treatment can clean water so it can be reused or returned underground for future use. Modern irrigation systems can help farmers conserve water while protecting their livelihoods. These investments stretch existing supplies further and make the system more resilient.
Reliable water supplies are especially critical for agriculture. Too many farmers are currently forced to irrigate only a portion of their land due to shortages and uncertainty, putting their livelihoods at risk. A stronger water system helps ensure farmers have consistent access to the water they need to keep fields productive. At the same time, New Mexico must meet its legal obligations to deliver water downstream, including to Texas, as required under interstate agreements. Long delays and uncertainty around these obligations have shown the cost of poor planning. Smart investment and clear water management help protect farmers, avoid future lawsuits, and give all water users greater certainty.
Water planning must also be fair and lawful. Long-term certainty depends on resolving outstanding water rights issues, including those involving Tribal nations. I support transparent, respectful negotiations that recognize Tribal sovereignty and bring clarity to water allocations. Settling these claims is necessary to give all communities certainty about their water future.
Water security is not optional. It’s the starting point for economic growth, stable communities, and population recovery. By combining conservation, new technology, infrastructure upgrades, and clear legal frameworks, New Mexico can build a water system that supports families, agriculture, and industry for generations to come.
