Water Problems and Research Needs for New Mexico

The New Mexico Water Resources Research Institute (WRRI) is a federal/state partnership agency established to foster research with the goal of solving important water problems of the state and region. The WRRI, located on the campus of New Mexico State University and reporting through its Board of Regents, works with all qualified institutions of higher education in New Mexico to:

1. Encourage and sponsor water resources research,

2. Provide those who manage New Mexico’s water resources with the results of research,

3. Encourage the training of young scientists.

The New Mexico WRRI is one of 54 institutes located in each of the 50 states and 4 U.S. Territories which receive annual research appropriations from the Office of Water Research and Technology (OWRT), U.S. Department of the Interior, as authorized under P.L. 95-467. The WRRI also receives state appropriations as well as funds from other state, federal and private sources.

The purpose of this document is to identify important water resources problems for New Mexico and list the high priority research topics required for the solution of the problems. It should serve as a guide to potential investigators as well as inform other state and federal agencies of what the WRRI is planning for the future.

This report has been reviewed by over 80 individuals representing most of the state and federal water-related agencies of New Mexico and by various members of the public with expressed interest in water problems and their solution. Their helpful comments are greatfully acknowledged.