2024 ONRW Designation Nominations

An Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) is a stream, lake, or wetland that receives special protection against future degradation under New Mexico’s Standards for Interstate and Intrastate Surface Waters (Surface Water Quality Standards or WQS), codified at 20.6.4 New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC). This designation affords the highest protection of water quality under the State’s antidegradation policy and mirrors the protections established under federal regulations at 40 C.F.R. § 131 and the federal Clean Water Act (CWA). For more information please visit the ONRWs webpage.

In accordance with 20.6.4.9 NMAC, any person may nominate a surface water of the state as an ONRW by filing a petition with the Commission in accordance with the requirements in 20.6.4.9(A) NMAC, 20.1.6.200 NMAC, and other applicable statutes, regulations, or procedures.  Pursuant to 20.6.4.9(B) and (C) NMAC, a surface water of the state may be designated and classified as an ONRW where the Commission determines it will benefit the state of New Mexico and it meets at least one of the eligibility criteria listed in 20.6.4.9(B)(1)-(3) NMAC. SWQB worked with third parties to identify and nominate ONRWs eligible for nomination under 20.6.4.9(B)(1). A public comment period was held from July 20, 2024 to August 19, 2024 with over 700 people, organizations and state agencies providing comments. This petition and list of nominated waters is the result of that collaborative effort.

On September 10, 2024 the SWQB petitioned the WQCC for a rulemaking hearing to consider adopting amendments to 20.6.4.9 NMAC to designate the nominated waters as ONRWs. The request was granted and the WQCC will hold a public hearing on December 10, 2024 to consider this matter. Please see the links below for more information and how to participate. A virtual link to the hearing may be found on NMED’s Events Calendar.

Documents and Links

Return to Water Quality Standards Webpage