New Mexico water debate to be shaped by transfers

Drought has eased its grip on New Mexico, but a top water official tells lawmakers the arid state still will be faced with proposals to transfer water from where it’s located to those areas that need it most.

State Engineer Tom Blaine testified Monday before a legislative committee focused on water and natural resources.

Blaine mentioned a revamped proposal to pipe billions of gallons of drinking water from rural western New Mexico to more populated areas. The previous state engineer denied the initial application, saying it was too vague.

A decision has yet to be made on the latest proposal, but Blaine says serious questions need to be asked about the effects of inter-basin transfers.

Some lawmakers said New Mexico needs to do a better job of getting water to where it’s needed.