New Mexico has an arid climate, with lots of sunshine and little rain. Because of this increased risk of droughts, New Mexico faces a critical water shortage that threatens our sustainability and requires immediate action to ensure adequate water supply for future generations. New Mexico’s 50-Year Water Action Plan identifies water reuse as a critical solution to address our water challenges, drawing on cutting-edge technology to protect the environment and public health.
Water reuse is an important strategy to supplement and prolong our existing freshwater supplies. Reusing water protects rivers and aquifers from being overdrawn and provides relief for New Mexico’s water sources in times of drought.
Water Types
Produced & Treated Produced Water
Produced water comes out of a well during crude oil and gas production.
Direct & Indirect Potable
Potable water, or drinking water, needs to be safe for people to drink.
Brackish Water Desalination
Brackish water, which contains more salt than freshwater and comes from aquifers, can be evaporated and condensed to be turned into freshwater.
Reclaimed Wastewater
Treating and using wastewater for industrial use frees up water sources that can be used for drinking.
Commercial Gray Water
Commercial gray water is generated from activities such as washing dishes, running showers, and laundry.
The upcoming water reuse rules will aim to establish guidance on upcoming projects, simplify permitting processes, and require data-sharing that will help lawmakers make future laws about the newest technologies.
Benefits
Improve New Mexico’s Climate Resilience
Over the next 50 years, New Mexico is predicted to experience drier conditions and longer, more severe droughts. This will require new ways to preserve New Mexico’s water supply. Reusing water is how we plan to reduce the pressures on our freshwater resources and increase our water security.
Educate New Mexico Residents About Water Treatment & Its Uses
As new technologies for water reuse are developed and demonstrated to be safe, NMED wants to ensure that the public, communities and industries are aware of the requirements, impacts, and benefits of reuse.
Increase Savings
In many instances, water reuse technologies and strategic uses can reduce energy use when treating and distributing water. Investing locally in water reuse can create savings for communities.
Support Ecosystems
Riverbank ecosystems and habitats need enough water flow to support wildlife, water quality, and overall ecosystem health. Water reuse can potentially reduce stress on water flow, especially in waterways with canals and dams.
Support Economic Growth
When wastewater is safely reused, it can free up fresh water for other beneficial uses such as farming, drinking water, and supporting New Mexico’s economic growth
Current Rulemaking
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), is drafting the State’s Ground and Surface Water Protection – Supplemental Requirements for Water Reuse (20.6.8 NMAC), focusing on limited reuse of treated produced water, which is a byproduct from oil and gas activities.
Rulemaking Documents
| Document | Author | Date |
| Public Involvement Plan (PIP) | GWQB | Oct. 19, 2023 |
| Notice of 30 Day Public Comment Period on Proposed Rule (English/ Spanish) | GWQB | Nov. 1, 2023 |
| Draft Rule for Public Comment | GWQB | Nov. 1, 2023 |
| Public Comment Portal Link (Note: the public comment period for the draft rules closed on Dec. 1, 2023) | GWQB | Nov. 1, 2023-Dec. 1, 2023 |
| Petition and Hearing Request | GWQB | Dec. 28, 2023 |
| Public Comments submitted to NMED from: | ||
| J Carver | Nov. 2, 2023 | |
| D MacIness | Nov. 4, 2023 | |
| J Klingel | Nov. 4, 2023 | |
| C Fresquez | Nov. 6, 2023 | |
| M Hightower – NM Produced Water Research Consortium | Nov. 10, 2023 | |
| J Griswold – NM Oil Conservation Division | Nov. 16, 2023 | |
| S Glass | Nov. 20, 2023 | |
| C Scruggs | Nov. 25, 2023 | |
| J Bock – Upper Hondo SWCD | Nov. 28, 2023 | |
| A Chavez – San Juan Water Commission | Nov. 29, 2023 | |
| H Dalton – Colorado PWC | Nov. 29, 2023 | |
| C Thomas – Petroglyph Consulting | Nov. 30, 2023 | |
| Z Scott – Clean Water Solutions | Nov. 30, 2023 | |
| T Ulrich | Nov. 30, 2023 | |
| Amigos Bravos, Breath of My Heart Birthplace, Center for Biological Diversity, Diné Centered Research and Evaluation, Earth Care, Earthworks, Environmental Defense Fund, First Congregational United Church of Christ Albuquerque, Gila Resources Information Project, New Mexico Acequia Association, New Energy Economy, New Mexico Interfaith Power and Light, New Mexico Wild, Sierra Club, Rio Grande Chapter, Youth United for Climate Crisis Action, Water Advocates for NM and the Middle Rio Grande, Western Environmental Law Center | Dec.1, 2023 | |
| J Farber – Exxon Mobil | Dec. 1. 2023 | |
| S Burt-Kested – Freeport McMoRan Chino Mines | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| J Hendricks – Renovo Resources | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| H Witson – Element 3 Resources | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| M Troutman – Wild Earth Guardians | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| K Martin – Oilfield Witness | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| D Shuryn – Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| M Hamman – NM State Engineer, Office of the State Engineer | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| Amigos Bravos, Environmental Defense Fund, New Mexico Acequia Association, Rio Grande Chapter-Sierra Club, Western Environmental Law Center – T Fox | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| MR deValladeres – ATOME Energy | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| K Deal – Select Water Solutions | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| J Smitherman – NMOGA | Dec, 1, 2023 | |
| W Dobson – Solaris Water Midstream | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| M Henkels – NMSU Department of Agriculture | Dec. 1, 2023 | |
| Y Barney – Navajo Nation EPA | Dec. 8, 2023 | |
| Order Appointing Hearing Officer | Jan, 30, 2024 | |
| Public Hearing Notice in English and Spanish | March 8, 2024 | |
| Pleadings Log (through WQCC Docketed Matters 23-84) | March 8, 2024 | |
| Administrative Record and Hearing Transcript |
Future Rulemaking
Over the next 18 months, NMED will evaluate and share information on new rules about water reuse. Additional information on rulings and timelines will be posted here when they become available.
