From dwindling groundwater supplies and depleting surface water to rising temperatures and severe aridification, New Mexico and the Southwest face mounting water crises.
Solving pressing water challenges is central to the mission of the New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute at New Mexico State University. Since 1963, scientists at WRRI have worked with stakeholders to solve water-related problems through innovative research and projects that build water resilience and sustainability.
Sharing its research-backed knowledge is a critical component of WRRI. It does so by engaging in community outreach across the state and hosting an annual conference for water professionals, students, policymakers, tribal representatives, community leaders and others that highlights the importance of advancing scientific research, implementing innovative management strategies and building collaborative partnerships.
This year marks the 71st annual New Mexico Water Conference, which will take place from Nov. 11-13 at the at Embassy Suites in Albuquerque.
This year’s conference centers around the theme “Investing in New Mexico’s Water Future.” It will showcase the work of researchers, water managers, engineers, agricultural producers, utilities and decisionmakers who are investing in resilient water systems and translating research into practical solutions that benefit communities across New Mexico.
The conference will feature presentations and panel discussions as well as a field trip showcasing how local water management and conservation efforts connect research and discussion with real-world applications.
Angus Aney, a soil scientist at WRRI, will be among the researchers presenting their work. Aney said his discussion will highlight the Resilient Agricultural Water Community Systems, a project that supports thriving agriculture with less water through innovative research, decision-support tools and regional partnerships.
“Presentations will cover alternative crops and cropping patterns, water management strategies through an economic lens, applications of new decision support tools, rainwater harvesting, community-focused outreach and the Western Water Network,” Aney said. “Together, these ongoing efforts provide practical strategies for building agricultural resilience across the western U.S.”
Phil King, an engineering consultant for the Elephant Butte Irrigation District, will moderate a panel discussion on the water settlement between New Mexico and Texas regarding water management in New Mexico’s Lower Rio Grande Basin.
The settlement, which established a new Rio Grande Compact delivery index at the Texas state line, requires a broad new water management scheme in the Lower Rio Grande Basin, King said. Panelists from the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and Elephant Butte Irrigation District will explain the perspectives of their agencies and how they view water management in the basin going forward.
The conference will also feature a student poster session and competition, highlighting the next generation of water leaders. For many years, the conference has provided students an opportunity to present their research, exchange ideas with experienced professionals and contribute fresh perspectives to the future of water resources.
For conference details, including the agenda and registration, visit https://nmsu.news/NM-Water-Conference.
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