Is there a water problem in New Mexico?
New Mexico relies on both groundwater and surface water sources, but about 87 percent of New Mexico’s public water supply comes from ground water. New Mexico also has long periods of drought and inconsistent precipitation, so relying on surface water can lead to shortages as well.
Why can’t you drink the water in New Mexico?
High Levels Of Arsenic In Albuquerque Tap Water Arsenic is a toxic metal that is known to cause cancer and other health issues. Unlike lead, which distributes into water from plumbing, arsenic comes from the source water itself.
Is New Mexico Drinking Water Safe?
The majority of New Mexicans are provided high quality drinking water. About 90% of people in New Mexico get their water from a Community Drinking Water system. The US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) sets regulations for treating and monitoring drinking water delivered by community water systems.
What part of New Mexico has the most water?
Elephant Butte Lake
Elephant Butte Lake, located in southern New Mexico, is the state’s largest lake and most popular spot for enjoying the water.
Who uses the most water in New Mexico?
Wilson, P.E., New Mexico State Engineer Office, Technical Report 51, 2003. Water Use by Categories in New Mexico Counties and River Basins, and Irrigated Acreage in 1995 by Brian C….
| County Data | River Basin Data |
|---|---|
| 1990 Data by County | 1990 Data by River Basin |
Can you drink Albuquerque tap water?
Our water meets all federal and state standards for drinking water quality, and has also been recognized for its good taste. It is important to note that the Water Authority provides water that meets all state and federal legal standards for safe drinking water.
Are there any natural lakes in New Mexico?
Take a read below for some exciting ideas on how best to enjoy New Mexico’s lakes. Elephant Butte Lake, located in southern New Mexico, is the state’s largest lake and most popular spot for enjoying the water. It offers up great swimming, waterskiing, boating and more.
Who owns the water rights in New Mexico?
The State Engineer has the authority to license water rights. This could be a viable intermediate alternative to adjudication that provides assurance to rights holders while paving the way for adjudication. With or without adjudication, planners must still balance supply and demand. water (78 percent).
What are the water problems in New Mexico?
Other water sources on the surface, like the Rio Grande and Santa Fe rivers, provide some areas with their drinking water. Drought is a frequent problem in New Mexico, which makes scarcity a larger threat than water quality. The water quality of New Mexico is impacted by scarcity, as many water sources are far away from the destination.
What was the drought like in New Mexico?
New Mexico also faced severe drought last year (along with much of the Southwest). The threat led farmers to plant more drought-resistant crops like beans, or to abandon their fields altogether. Some farms were allotted just 10 inches of water from the Rio Grande, compared to the normal 36.
How much of New Mexico’s water supply is used?
That means that industries and municipalities in the state use about 95% of New Mexico’s available annual water supply, leaving little in the reserves for droughts and dry spells. California, Arizona, Colorado, and Nebraska face similar challenges.
Where does Santa Fe New Mexico get its water?
Santa Fe is well-known for its art and jewelry businesses but is lesser known as one of the driest regions in the state. Water must be pulled to the surface by a series of wells and supplemental supplies are brought in from Southern California.