Bringing attention to water crisis in NM
New Mexico is a state with abundant natural resources: the most integral, while also scarce, is our water. Water brings life to a sleeping desert, as migratory birds flock and landscapes turn green when the Río Grande runs. It irrigates crops and provides drinking water for New Mexico’s communities, as well as opportunities for recreation, experiential learning and connectivity with nature. And for many of us who live on the frontera here in Southern New Mexico, water is deeply rooted in our culture. During Hispanic Heritage Month we want to bring attention to the water crisis here to help our elected officials understand how important making water issues a priority is for our communities.
Those of us who grew up in Southern New Mexico remember when the Río’s waters once flowed year-round throughout the state; however, due to drought, a warming climate, and an increase in consumptive uses by extractive industries, the river remains dry for the majority of the year in Las Cruces - depriving the community of these integral experiences regularly and leaving the landscape asleep until water arrives.
Water is a finite resource, and while the State has made small gains on tackling water issues, the crisis requires us to take more immediate action. New Mexico is enjoying a budget surplus and this should be a green-light to spur long-term planning to help our communities survive and thrive. Water issues affect every New Mexican, yet without making this a top priority, the long term effects will be costly and more devastating. We can work toward ensuring that our communities not only survive but thrive in the face of water challenges.
To kick off Latino Conservation Week earlier this year, Nuesta Tierra cultivated community and celebrated the flowing waters of the Rio, partnering with New Mexico Wildlife Federation (NMWF) and Hispanics Enjoying Camping, Hunting, and the Outdoors (HECHO) for a community floating event down the Río Grande. We had dozens of community members from all over New Mexico, West Texas, and even from Colorado, travel down to Las Cruces to take advantage of our prized resource, create shared memories, eat good food, and practice the long tradition of enjoying our flowing River.
Last week, we were proud to share a recap of this event with members of the state Water & Natural Resources Committee during their meeting in Las Cruces. We sought to give them a break from the technical issues and remind them about the people behind their decisions, in hopes that when the legislative session convenes in Santa Fe, they remember how communities like ours are especially impacted.
When water arrives in Southern New Mexico, it provides a special opportunity for communities to enjoy the unique amenities and recreational possibilities that the flowing river brings only for those few short months the river runs. Families gather to celebrate life events and hold bonfires along the riverside, kids float the waters alongside their friends, and the city becomes green with vegetation fed by groundwater stemming from the Río.
Agua es vida for the communities of Southern New Mexico and as water supplies continue to diminish in these ever changing growing seasons, it is essential that our water is preserved for all.
In making decisions about the future of water resources in the state of New Mexico, we must consider and prioritize the needs, experiences, and lives of Southern New Mexico communities, starting now, because water can’t wait.
This article originally appeared on Las Cruces Sun-News: Bringing attention to water crisis in NM
