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.
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Are there any bodies of water in New Mexico?
New Mexico Lakes Shown on the Map: Abiquiu Reservoir, Brantley Lake, Caballo Reservoir, Conchas Lake, Eagle Nest Lake, Elephant Butte Reservoir, Navajo Reservoir, Sumner Lake, Two Rivers Reservoir and Ute Reservoir. The United States Geological Survey has a number of stream gages located throughout New Mexico.
Are there water problems in New Mexico?
Simply put, our water supply is pretty much tapped out.The drought affecting New Mexico is just one of many events impacting its limited water supply, experts told the lawmakers Tuesday. As temperatures rise because of climate change, snowpack levels are limited and the speed at which they melt accelerates.
Does New Mexico have a water shortage problem?
New Mexico sees water shortages all the time, depending on the amount of snowfall in the mountains. “We had a shortage this year in New Mexico,” Fleck said.
Does New Mexico have any lakes?
If you know where to look, however, New Mexico has quite a few lakes to fish, swim, and hike around. Especially during warm summer months, these lakes provide welcome relief from the high desert heat and a little oasis for water-lovers in the land-locked Land of Enchantment.
Can you swim in lakes in New Mexico?
Take a dip in Lea Lake
Lea Lake is the only lake in the Bottomless Lakes State Park where swimming is permitted and is one of the most beautiful underappreciated lakes in New Mexico. With sandy “beaches,” turquoise water and quartz crystals, also-known-as Pecos Diamonds, Lea Lake is totally unique.
Is there water in Santa Fe?
Santa Fe’s water sources are the Rio Grande, a few groundwater wells, and two reservoirs within the Santa Fe National Forest. The reservoirs make up one-third of Santa Fe’s water supply.
Who uses the most water in New Mexico?
While agriculture’s economic impact in New Mexico is usually just a few percent a year, it’s by far the largest consumer of water — irrigation accounted for 76% of water withdrawals in 2015, according to the latest available state engineer report.
Is New Mexico in a drought?
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Drought is a long-term deal but as each week passes, parts of New Mexico continue to bust out of the worst category. Less than half of 1% of the state is currently in exceptional drought, the worst category.
Where is the best drinking water in New Mexico?
JAL, N.M. – Jal’s water has been named the best drinking water in New Mexico. The city beat out 26 other entries for that title last week at the Annual New Mexico Rural Water Association Conference.
Is the water safe to drink in New Mexico?
The majority of New Mexicans are provided high quality drinking water.The US Environmental Protection Agency ( EPA ) sets regulations for treating and monitoring drinking water delivered by community water systems. There are water quality standards and monitoring requirements for over 90 contaminants.
Where does Albuquerque New Mexico get their water?
groundwater
Albuquerque and Bernalillo County rely on groundwater from the Santa Fe Group Aquifer and surface water from the San Juan-Chama Drinking Water Project. Groundwater wells combine with the San Juan-Chama project to produce about 32 billion gallons of drinking water for the Water Authority’s service area every year.
Can you drink Santa Fe tap water?
“The report details the monitoring and source water protection that is performed to ensure that the City of Santa Fe’s water supply is safe to drink and meets all state and federal drinking water standards,” said Alex Puglisi, Environmental Compliance Officer, for the Public Utilities Department.
Is New Mexico a desert?
Despite its popular depiction as mostly arid desert, New Mexico has one of the most diverse landscapes of any U.S. state, ranging from wide, auburn-colored deserts and verdant grasslands, to broken mesas and high, snow-capped peaks.
Does New Mexico have beaches?
For example, despite being a landlocked state without any coastal areas, New Mexico has plenty of super beaches at lakes and reservoirs. These sandy spots allow New Mexico residents to enjoy all the fun of coastal cities without being forced to drive for hours to get there.
Are there lakes or rivers in New Mexico?
The Rio Grande is one of the major rivers in New Mexico. In fact, it starts all the way north in Colorado. Then, it flows through New Mexico, including the west of Albuquerque. By far, the largest lake in New Mexico is the Elephant Butte Lake at 36,500 acres.
Does New Mexico get snow?
Seasonal snowfall across New Mexico varies considerably, due largely to our unique topography.The first snowfall often occurs late in the summer for many of the higher peaks in northern New Mexico. In some years for many southern locations there is no snowfall, or the first snowfall occurs very late in the season.
What is the closest ocean to New Mexico?
The Gulf of Mexico (Spanish: Golfo de México) is an ocean basin and a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, largely surrounded by the North American continent.
Can you live on a lake in New Mexico?
New Mexico lakefront living truly offers something for everyone. If your family lives on one of New Mexico’s beautiful lakes, all ages can create memories that last a lifetime.Experiencing nature in its pristine state, right outside your window, is what NM lakefront real estate is all about.
Does Santa Fe have water issues?
Santa Fe is currently facing some of its worst drought conditions in years, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s U.S. Drought Monitor.
How does Santa Fe get water?
The Santa Fe area gets its water from three surface-water supply sources – the Santa Fe Watershed, county water rights on the upper Rio Grande and the imported water from the San Juan-Chama project – and from well fields within the city limits and at the Buckman well field 10 miles west of the city near the Rio Grande.
