New Mexico Water Supplies at Risk, Task Force Says

Researchers from universities around the state say New Mexico is undoubtedly dealing with a dire situation thanks to a persistent drought and there’s no telling when conditions will improve.

The task force of experts on Tuesday delivered their preliminary findings to lawmakers on the vulnerability of the state’s water supplies.

University of New Mexico Professor David Gutzler says the current drought has been bad but not as bad as the 1950s. However, he says matters are more complicated now thanks to warmer temperatures and four straight years of dismal snowpack.

That combination has helped to put New Mexico’s reservoirs and aquifers at risk over the long haul.

The task force is continuing to look at the implications the drought could have on agriculture and other industries in New Mexico.