Will there be Enough Water in the Future? Respecting Mother Nature Managing Human Desire

Tree Ring Data

Connection of Groundwater to Surface Water Topography, rainfall, eventually effect groundwater recharge

The amount of water flowing in streams can be reduced by well pumping

Laws and Policies for Water Supply Prior Appropriation –First come, first served – Use it or Lose It –Diversion and record keeping requirements Priority dates and making a priority call - Senior water right holders have priority - Junior water must reduce use first

Too Many Water Commitments More claims for H 2 O than H 2 O available Why: - Many water claims (particularly older claims) made during wet years and were never verified - Many groundwater wells pump water from aquifer but don’t hold water rights

Uncertainty & Unknown Amount of Indian H 2 O Rights Most water tribal water rights have not been adjudicated This makes it impossible for the New Mexico State Engineer to have a complete list of priority dates Winters Doctrine: when land is set aside, water must be also

Tribes Assert Oldest Rights Last in line to get water but hold the strongest rights More complex procedures to get water than people had to face in the past (Endangered Species Act) If tribes make use water rights, the last endangered fish may be put at risk. Should tribes shoulder the burden of decades of rampant growth by non-Indians?

PIA versus HIA Practically Irrigable Area vs. Historically Irrigated Area

Endangered Species Eat Oldest Human Water Rights

Water Management Strategies for a Secure Water Future Support policies to regulate well drilling in critical management areas Support development policies and laws that balance supply and demand (such as limiting well drilling in areas that are overallocated) Look at innovative technologies to harvest and conserve water Collaborate with your neighbors as much as possible.