Middle Rio Grande Compact
The memorial calls for heightened coordination between the state engineer and the interstate stream commission to effectively manage water use and ensure compliance with compact obligations. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with local water rights owners and communities to promote collaborative water management practices. Such efforts are aimed at creating equitable partnerships that will allow for the sustainable use of water resources as well as the cultural and ecological integrity of New Mexico's communities.
Senate Memorial 65, introduced by Crystal R. Diamond and Joseph Cervantes, addresses the critical administration of the Middle Rio Grande Compact in relation to the broader Rio Grande Compact. The memorial underscores the necessity for New Mexico to adhere to its annual water delivery obligations to the Elephant Butte reservoir, which is essential to avoid costly litigation connected to potential violations of the compact. With increasing demands on water resources, New Mexico has shifted from a credit to a debit situation concerning its water delivery, indicating a pressing need for action.
One point of contention highlighted in the memorial is the potential for significant water shortages due to rising consumptive uses within the region. The memorial alerts that New Mexico's accrued water delivery debits may soon breach legal thresholds, thereby necessitating urgent and effective management strategies. As such, there is an implied need for a balancing act between fulfilling state obligations and accommodating the rights and needs of local water users, which could lead to disputes if not handled thoughtfully.