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A new report from the New Mexico Groundwater Alliance issues a stark warning about the state’s most critical, yet misunderstood, water source. With groundwater supplying nearly 80% of drinking water and over half of the state’s total water, its invisible decline poses an existential threat. The report calls for treating aquifers as essential infrastructure and closing dangerous data gaps in monitoring, especially in rural communities.

Patrick McCarthy, a senior water policy officer for the Thornburg Foundation and alliance member, emphasizes the unique severity of the current crisis. “The water scarcity, water stress that we’re facing now … it’s not your grandfather’s drought,” McCarthy states. He points to higher temperatures and a growing imbalance between use and replenishment, making New Mexico particularly vulnerable. His message is clear: proactive, collaborative, and well-funded strategies are urgently needed to secure the state’s water future.

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January 14, 2026 – Santa Fe, N.M. – As the water crisis in New Mexico deepens, a new report released today by the New Mexico Groundwater Alliance details significant data gaps, challenges and opportunities to protect the state’s declining groundwater supply. The report can be downloaded here and a document with groundwater management frameworks from other Western states can be downloaded here. 

The New Mexico 360 Groundwater Report comes as groundwater levels plunge to historically low levels as they remain threatened by challenges like drought, climate change, water-hungry data centers and PFAS contamination. The report warns that without a proactive strategy for sustaining groundwater, more communities will face aquifer depletion, water quality degradation, and service disruptions.

The report builds off of recommendations made by the Governor’s New Mexico Water & Policy Task Force and the state’s 50-Year Water Action Plan, which warns that New Mexico will have 25% less water by 2050. Groundwater provides more than half the state’s total water supply, and 81% of public water systems in New Mexico rely on groundwater to provide drinking water for their communities.  

The New Mexico 360 Groundwater Report takes a deeper drive into New Mexico’s groundwater history and current challenges by detailing data gaps, water use by category, and policy and administrative structures. It also highlights where New Mexico leaders are already deploying successful groundwater management strategies while offering case studies from other western states. 

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The report concludes with specific recommendations for policymakers to advance proactive, long-term groundwater solutions, including: 

• Science, Data and Modeling: As part of a multiyear effort, accelerate and sustain aquifer mapping, monitoring, and metering by filling the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources’s budget request of $22 million in Fiscal Year 2027. This funding would support aquifer characterization studies to provide essential basin level information — such as quantity and quality of groundwater resources — and address a funding gap for the Water Data Act to help state agencies share, integrate and manage water data better using 21st century technologies.
• State Policy Reform: Develop a statewide groundwater management framework that establishes basin management goals informed by data, science, historical and cultural traditions, and community-driven solutions. 
• Funding: Allocate state funding to provide support for locally driven groundwater management and provide legal avenues for local groundwater authorities to generate funds to support operations.
• Incentive-based Tools: Explore and provide support for locally relevant incentive-based tools such as water banks, rotational conservation or voluntary fallowing.
• Local and Tribal Engagement: Create a pathway for meaningful local and Tribal involvement in groundwater management and ensure representation of all interests in planning and decision-making. Build upon New Mexico specific strategies, such as the Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy and Pecos Valley Artesian Conservation District, for a community-driven framework based on community engagement.

“This report serves as a call to action to protect New Mexico’s groundwater before it’s too late,” said Gretel Follingstad, Ph.D., Senior Manager, climate resilient water systems, at Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). “New Mexicans know we are in a water crisis, but groundwater is often out of sight, poorly understood, and inconsistently governed — especially in rural areas and small systems. We hope this report will be a launching point to elevate the urgency of groundwater declines and spark collaboration to develop a more long-term, well-funded and proactive statewide strategy to secure our water future.” 

A key component of the New Mexico 360 Groundwater Report details significant gaps in groundwater data, reinforcing the need for more groundwater mapping, monitoring and metering tools to provide local water managers the information they need to make long-term management decisions and ensure groundwater is not overused. For example, less than half of all New Mexico’s groundwater withdrawals are metered today. 

“Policymakers understand that we need sound science, data and modeling to better manage our groundwater resources and we’re ready to supply it,” said Stacy Timmons, Associate Director, Hydrogeology Programs at the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources. “Building on the initial funding provided by the Legislature last session, we’re prepared to execute a long-term strategy that will close our water data gaps and modernize our antiquated systems using 21st century technology.” 

Using available data, the report warns that groundwater declines are reaching crisis levels that threaten water supplies for agricultural and rural communities, including in the High Plains (Ogallala) aquifer near Clovis and Portales, the Mimbres Basin near Deming, and the Estancia Basin. Other basins reaching dangerously low levels are the Albuquerque Basin and the Placitas and East Mountains areas.  

The New Mexico 360 Groundwater Report also highlights positive case studies from New Mexico water leaders who are deploying new, successful groundwater management strategies for areas like the Pecos River Valley in Chaves and Eddy Counties, the Ogallala Aquifer in Curry County, the Lower Rio Grande Groundwater Conservation program in southern New Mexico, and through conservation efforts by the Cañada de Los Alamos Mutual Domestic Water Association in Santa Fe County. 

“We don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” said Aron Balok, superintendent of the Pecos Valley Artesian Conservancy District. “Many of our local communities already have the experience, knowledge and determination needed to protect our groundwater. The state should look to these communities and figure out how to replicate what we know is already working.”

“Time is not on our side. We must put forth a more comprehensive groundwater management statewide, building on the work we’re doing in eastern New Mexico to protect the Ogallala Aquifer,” said Dr. Ladona Clayton, executive director of the Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy. “Our voluntary, market-based model is proving the concept that we can conserve agriculture land and aquifer levels at the same time.” 

The New Mexico 360 Groundwater Report was co-authored by the New Mexico Groundwater Alliance, which is composed of:​

• Aron Balok, Superintendent, Pecos Valley Artesian Conservancy District
• Ladona Clayton, Ph.D., Executive Director, Ogallala Land & Water Conservancy
• Gretel Follingstad, Ph.D., Senior Manager, Climate Resilient Water Systems — Environmental Defense Fund
• Maurice Hall, Ph.D., Senior Advisor, Climate Resilient Water Systems — Environmental Defense Fund
• Phil King, Ph.D., Principal Engineer, King Engineering & Associates Inc.; Special Technical Advisor to OSE/ISC
• Ramón Lucero, Regional Field Manager, Rural Community Assistance Corporation (RCAC)
• Patrick McCarthy, Senior Water Policy Officer, Thornburg Foundation
• Adrian Oglesby, J.D., Director, Utton Transboundary Resources Center (UNM)

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Advisory members: 

• Lisa Henne, General Counsel, Interstate Stream Commission / Office of the State Engineer
• Michelle Hunter, Deputy Director, NM Interstate Stream Commission / Office of the State Engineer
• Phoebe Suina, Owner, Project Manager, and Hydrologist, High Water Mark, LLC
• Stacy Timmons, Associate Director, Hydrogeology Programs, New Mexico Bureau of Geology & Mineral Resources
• Hannah Riseley‑White, Director, NM Interstate Stream Commission / Office of the State Engineer
• Katie Zemlick, Chief, Hydrology Bureau, Office of the State Engineer

For more information about the New Mexico Groundwater Alliance, visit nmgroundwateralliance.org. 

Download the Report

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Facing a critical need for better data, a new state report emphasizes that sustainable groundwater management must begin with comprehensive monitoring. In a detailed examination of New Mexico’s aquifers, the report calls for a significant expansion of the state’s network of monitoring wells to address widespread data gaps. This foundational step is considered essential for making informed decisions about one of the state’s most vital yet strained resources.

The Albuquerque Journal’s coverage of the report outlines the challenges of managing groundwater across diverse regions—from agricultural basins to growing municipalities—especially as demands increase and supplies face pressure from drought and legal settlements. The article presents the perspectives of hydrologists and state officials who argue that without a clear understanding of what is underground, effective and fair policies for conservation and allocation are difficult to achieve. This report marks a pivotal effort to establish the knowledge base required for long-term water security.

Read the Article

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A recent report from The Santa Fe New Mexican examines the significant water management challenges for New Mexico farmers along the Rio Grande. The article highlights a basin-wide study which found that a large majority of the water used in the state each year is not being naturally replenished, creating a growing gap between supply and demand. This comes as the state prepares to implement new groundwater use reductions following a major interstate legal settlement.

Featuring perspectives from local farmers, water policy experts, and state officials, the New Mexican explores the range of responses to these pressures. These include voluntary fallowing programs and long-term planning to balance water needs. The piece outlines the ongoing efforts to find equitable and effective solutions for sustaining both agriculture and communities in a region where water is a critical and shared resource.

Read the Article

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Source NM: A new and urgent report reveals that New Mexico is facing a severe and imminent threat to its most critical resource: water. The study, conducted by leading water researchers, details a “looming groundwater crisis” driven by the one-two punch of climate change and unsustainable overuse. With aquifers declining faster than they can be replenished, the findings warn of profound risks to agriculture, household water supplies, and the state’s economic stability in the coming decades. The analysis underscores that without immediate and coordinated action, New Mexico’s water future hangs in the balance. 

Read the Article

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A major new study, funded in part by the Thornburg Foundation and released on November 20, provides the first full accounting of water consumption across the entire Rio Grande–Bravo basin. The findings reveal a systemic crisis, with 52% of annual use being unsustainable, ultimately draining finite reservoirs and aquifers faster than they can be replenished. While this unsustainable use threatens water security for millions across the Southwest, the impacts are acutely felt in New Mexico. The state has lost 71% of its reservoir storage since 2002, and water scarcity has reduced irrigated farmland by 36% along the Rio Grande. This new data crystallizes the urgent need for basin-wide collaboration, offering a critical roadmap to rebalance our water budget and build resilience for New Mexico’s communities, agriculture, and ecosystems.

Contact :

Patrick McCarthy: Senior Water Policy Officer — patrick@thornburgfoundation.org

Sarah Wentzel-Fisher: Land & Ag Policy Officer — sarah@thornburgfoundation.org

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By David W. Chen Photographs by Meridith Kohut

Federal budget cuts are hitting New Mexico hard, threatening critical services and programs across the state. A recent New York Times article highlights how these reductions could impact everything from education to infrastructure, leaving local leaders scrambling to fill the gaps. Thornburg Foundation’s survey and report, released in April, “Impact of Federal Funding Freeze on NM Philanthropic Sector,” provided statistics and insights about the real impact of the budget cuts to our nonprofit partners. The report was commissioned alongside Anchorum Health Foundation and Santa Fe Community Foundation.

Read the NYT Article

The post NYT: In One of the Country’s Poorest States, Crippling Budget Cuts Loom appeared first on Thornburg Foundation.

Photo credit: NM Community Trust
Press release: Stephanie Montoya Lobaugh | stephaniem@lanlfoundation.org

ESPAÑOLA, NM — The Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table proudly announces the inaugural round of Youth Fund grant recipients, awarding over $1.4 million to 16 regional organizations committed to expanding career pathways for underserved young people. The Northern New Mexico Youth Fund, launched earlier this year, is the first pooled fund of its kind in the region, combining philanthropic, tribal, state, and federal resources to support equity-driven Career Technical Education (CTE) and Work-Based Learning (WBL) programs for young people ages 13 to 29. These programs are designed to help underserved young people – especially Opportunity Youth, Native American youth, young parents, and others facing systemic barriers – gain the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to succeed.

The Youth Fund is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the Northern New Mexico Pathways to Opportunity Strategy Table, a coalition of 17 local, regional, and national partners coordinated by the LANL Foundation. Contributions from 12 funding partners now total $1.6 million, including approximately $1.1 million in philanthropic investments and $500,000 from the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, which are administered by the New Mexico Community Trust.  Through a participatory grantmaking process that engaged underserved youth, funders, and community leaders, the Youth Fund selected 15 CTE/WBL projects and one regional resource hub from a highly competitive pool of 35 proposals submitted by nonprofits, schools, tribal entities, and youth-serving organizations from across Northern New Mexico.

“The launch of the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund is the realization of a dream many years in the making. It’s incredible to see so many like-minded partners come together to align not just funding, but a shared vision for investing in our region’s most valuable resource – our young people – and the organizations that support them. This is more than a grant cycle; it’s the beginning of long-term, transformational work. We are excited to see the impact these grantees will have and to continue building the momentum to grow both the number of partners and the financial support for the Youth Fund in the years to come.”   – Alvin Warren, Vice President of Policy and Impact for the LANL Foundation

“At NMCT, we believe that when philanthropy centers equity and collaboration, transformative change becomes possible. The Youth Fund represents a powerful example of what it looks like when communities, funders, and young people co-create solutions. We’re proud to be part of this growing movement to invest in youth potential, cultural strengths, and long-term opportunity across Northern New Mexico.” 
– Marissa Magallanez, COO New Mexico Community Trust

In addition to the programmatic grants, United Way of Northern New Mexico has been selected to serve as the sole regional resource hub, receiving a $100,000 grant to provide technical assistance, organize shared learning opportunities, and deliver capacity-building support for all grantees. The hub will help organizations implement programs effectively, strengthen collaboration, and secure additional public funding.

“We’re beyond thrilled to receive this award—and even more energized about what’s ahead! As the Northern New Mexico Youth Fund Resource Hub, United Way of Northern New Mexico is honored to uplift and empower our incredible grantees who are leading the way in work-based learning and career technical education. Together, we’re building a movement rooted in collaboration, equity, and real opportunities for youth and young adults across our region,” said Cindy Padilla, CEO.

2024 Northern New Mexico Youth Fund Grant Recipients

• Assistance Dogs of the West – $81,660 for an expanded student trainer work-based learning program.

• College and Career Plaza – $75,000 to connect high school students to paid, hands-on learning experiences.

• Forest Stewards Guild – $60,000 for the Forest Stewards Youth Corps wildland fire and forestry career program.

• Global Center for Cultural Entrepreneurship – $100,000 for the New Mexico Climate Justice Leadership Development Program focused on Indigenous youth.

• Moving Arts Española – $100,000 to expand Bowie’s Backstage, a career launchpad in culinary arts, agriculture, and digital media.

• Northern Youth Project – $100,000 for peer mentorship and hands-on internships rooted in traditional agriculture and community leadership.

• Peñasco Independent Schools – $81,600 to develop a new on-site work-based learning program.

• Pojoaque Valley School District – $75,000 to expand CTE offerings in the construction trades.

• Pueblo of Santa Ana Tamaya Wellness Center – $100,000 for the Tamaya Elite Sports, Education, and Leadership Program focused on esports, digital media production, coding, and personal development.

• River Source – $90,000 to provide green career training focused on watershed restoration and climate resilience.

• Rocky Mountain Youth Corps – $100,000 for an individual placement program connecting youth to careers in land management and public service.

• Santa Fe Dreamers Project – $60,000 for a paralegal internship program that expands immigration legal services.

• Santo Domingo Pueblo – $100,000 for the Skills for Success program, focused on culturally relevant vocational training in traditional arts.

• Trees, Water & People – $85,000 to enhance land management employment skills for Native American youth.
  
• YouthWorks – $100,000 for paid, hands-on job training in construction, culinary, and other fields focused on Opportunity Youth.
  
  
  
  The Northern New Mexico Youth Fund is supported by a diverse group of contributors, including the Anchorum Health Foundation, The Annie E. Casey Foundation, The Aspen Institute Forum for Community Solutions, The Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The Davis New Mexico Scholarship, The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, The LANL Foundation, The Taos Community Foundation, The Thornburg Foundation, TRIAD National Security, United Way of North Central New Mexico, and The W.K. Kellogg Foundation.
  
  
  
  Press Release/Contact:
  
  Stephanie Montoya Lobaugh
  Communications Director
  stephaniem@lanlfoundation.org
  (505) 500-5730
  

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By Margaret O’Hara mohara@sfnewmexican.com
 Jun 7, 2025 Updated Jun 9, 2025

Bob Wolf, a volunteer at The Food Depot, prepares bags of groceries during a food distribution effort last week. Jill Dixon, the group’s executive director, said recent cuts and changes to federal food programs left a $200,000 gap in the nonprofit’s planning budget.

Read the full article on the Santa Fe New Mexican

The post Foundations likely to see increased requests from New Mexico nonprofits after federal cuts appeared first on Thornburg Foundation.

Read the article on Pew’s website here.

A rendering of what a wildlife overpass would look like across U.S. 550, just north of Cuba, New Mexico.

New Mexico Department of Transportation

WASHINGTON—The Pew Charitable Trusts today applauded New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham for signing into law three bills last week that catapult the state to the forefront of freshwater and wildlife conservation efforts. The bills, which were passed by the state Legislature with bipartisan support, are designed to help fund wildlife crossings and safeguard the state’s clean water.

S.B. 21, the Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Act, aims to ensure that national clean water protections that had existed in New Mexico for 50 years are continued at the state level. In addition, the law sets up a state-run program that seeks to avoid, minimize, and mitigate water pollution in state waters.

S.B. 37, the Strategic Water Reserve Fund, also protects New Mexico’s freshwater by expanding the scope of the state’s Strategic Water Reserve and creating a fund for the reserve that will provide money for the state to buy, lease, or accept donations of water rights for the benefit of imperiled species (among other potential environmental benefits). The reserve is integral to keeping water in rivers and aquifers and conserving important riparian habitat while honoring landowner water rights.

H.B. 2, the state budget for the coming fiscal year, invests $50 million in the Wildlife Corridors Fund for the planning and construction of wildlife crossings across New Mexico—the largest amount any state has ever appropriated for terrestrial wildlife crossings in a single year. This funding should fuel the implementation of the state’s Wildlife Corridors Action Plan, which identifies priority locations for overpasses and underpasses to protect wildlife and save lives.

Patrick Lane, a senior manager with Pew’s U.S. conservation team, issued the following statement:

“With these three measures, New Mexico’s legislators and governor have recommitted to the state’s leadership in river and wildlife conservation. Because of increased frequency of drought plus robust economic and population growth in the state, the New Mexico Environment Department predicts a reduction in water availability of 25% in the next 50 years. That means that conserving New Mexico’s water and wildlife has never been more important.

“The Legislature and governor doubled down on river and wildlife conservation, and New Mexicans will benefit from their actions for years to come.”

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Founded in 1948, The Pew Charitable Trusts uses data to make a difference. Pew addresses the challenges of a changing world by illuminating issues, creating common ground, and advancing ambitious projects that lead to tangible progress.

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