Strategic Water Reserve
Introduction
In 2005 a broad coalition of stakeholders came together to support legislation creating the Strategic Water Reserve. The legislation authorized the Interstate Stream Commission to acquire water and water rights to be used for specific purposes. An additional purpose was added in 2025. The three purposes are:
- To comply with interstate river compacts and court decrees;
- To assist in efforts to benefit threatened and endangered species or to avoid additional listings; and
- To support aquifer recharge or reduce ground water depletion, in order to promote stream flow or other environmental benefits.
The Interstate Stream Commission may acquire water or water rights for the Reserve by purchase, lease, or donation from willing offerors. The Commission may also construct and operate infrastructure to deliver water where it is needed for these purposes.
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS – 2025
Over the 20 years of its existence, the Reserve has supported New Mexico in meeting compact obligations in the Pecos, Rio Grande, Canadian, and most recently, the Colorado River basins. It has played an integral role in recovery plans for several at-risk fish and bird species. As competition for New Mexico’s limited water resources intensifies, the potential of the Reserve to protect the state’s water supplies, water users, and environment is drawing increased attention.
At this 20-year milestone, the Interstate Stream Commission is undertaking a review of the Reserve in order to consider these central questions: What has been accomplished? What are the lessons learned? What could be improved? How should New Mexico use the Reserve into the future?
Commission staff are planning opportunities for New Mexicans to share their thoughts about the Reserve during this review process.
WHAT’S NEW – CHANGES TO THE STATUTE
The Reserve statute was amended during the 2025 legislative session and signed by the Governor (S.B. 37). The primary changes are that the revised statute:
- Creates a Strategic Water Reserve Fund that can receive appropriations, grants, donations, and income from investments of the fund, up to $15 million, to be used for the purposes of the Reserve. (However, no funding has yet been appropriated for this fund.)
- Adds a new purpose: “assist the state or water users with water management and water conservation efforts designed to support aquifer recharge or reduce ground water depletion, in order to promote stream flow or other environmental benefits.” However, surface water leased or purchased for this purpose “shall not be converted to ground water via any methods other than natural, passive infiltration through the streambed.”
- Requires the Interstate Stream Commission to “consider potential supplementary benefits, such as supporting traditional and cultural practices, habitat improvement or recreational opportunities”, when establishing priorities for acquiring water rights for the Reserve. The Commission may prioritize transactions that provide a supplementary benefit.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact Pam Homer, Strategic Water Reserve Technical Lead, at pamela.homer@ose.nm.gov or 505-637-1559.
Basic Documents
Annual Priorities for Strategic Water Reserve
The Interstate Stream Commission sets river reach and groundwater basin priorities annually for the acquisition of water, water rights, or storage rights for the Reserve.
Current Strategic Water Reserve Priorities
Priorities |
River Reaches |
Groundwater Basins |
Middle Rio Grande |
X |
X |
Lower Rio Grande |
X |
X |
Lower Pecos River (below Sumner Reservoir) |
X |
X |
Black River (tributary to the Lower Pecos River) |
X |
X |
Canadian River |
X |
|
San Juan River |
X |
|