The Strategic Water Supply Act establishes a framework for managing water resources in New Mexico by creating the Strategic Water Supply Program. This program allows the Department of Environment and the Office of the State Engineer to enter into contracts and award grants for projects that utilize treated brackish water, thereby reducing the state's reliance on fresh water resources. The act outlines eligibility requirements for projects, including compliance with various governmental standards, financial assurances, and the demonstration of community benefits. Additionally, it mandates that the agency responsible for awarding contracts or grants must publish community benefits plans and notify the state investment council about new opportunities for public input.

The act also creates the Strategic Water Supply Program Fund, which is a nonreverting fund in the state treasury, to support the administration of the program. The fund will consist of various financial sources, including appropriations and grants, and will be managed by the Department of Environment. The bill includes significant appropriations from the general fund, totaling $75 million for the strategic water supply program fund, as well as additional funds for aquifer monitoring and research initiatives at state universities. Furthermore, it amends existing law regarding the notice requirements for drilling wells, ensuring that the state engineer assesses the potential impact on existing water rights and public welfare before any drilling occurs.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 7-1-2, 7-1-8.8, 70-2-12, 70-13-1, 72-12-26
AA substitute: 7-1-2, 7-1-8.8, 70-2-12, 70-13-1, 72-12-26
EN substitute: 72-12-26