REQUESTING THE NEW MEXICO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DIRECT THE APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW GROUND WATER MANAGEMENT ISSUES ON THE EASTERN PLAINS.

WHEREAS, the Ogallala aquifer is the single source of water for domestic, agricultural, commercial and industrial users on the eastern plains of New Mexico; and

WHEREAS, the Ogallala aquifer is being mined throughout the eight states where it is located, and withdrawals are exceeding the natural recharge of ground water in that region; and

WHEREAS, the March 1999 state engineer's technical report 99-2 says "concentrated pumping in Curry and Roosevelt counties in New Mexico as well as Bailey county in Texas will de-water large portions of the most productive areas of the basin as early as the year 2010"; and

WHEREAS, technical report 99-2 also states "Parts of the basin where the remaining 1990 saturated thickness is less than 50 feet will not sustain continued pumping beyond the year ... 2010"; and

WHEREAS, population growth is accelerating the rate of depletion of the water reserves and exacerbating water quality problems; and

WHEREAS, the cost of additional water systems is prohibitively expensive and requires enhanced conservation of available water supplies;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the New Mexico legislative council be requested to direct the appropriate committee to review ground water management issues in the eastern plains of New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the state engineer and the department of environment be requested to cooperate with the appropriate committee by submitting testimony and relevant documentation on the supply and quality of ground water in the eastern plains of New Mexico; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to members of the New Mexico legislative council, the state engineer and the secretary of environment.