The New Mexico Water Quality Control Commission has unanimously voted to protect more than 250 miles of rivers and streams as Outstanding National Resource Waters (ONRWs). The designation covers portions of the Rio Grande, Rio Chama, Cimmaron, Pecos, and Jemez watersheds, safeguarding these vital waterways from degradation while preserving traditional and recreational uses.
This protection comes at a critical time for New Mexico’s waters. Following the 2023 Supreme Court decision in Sackett v. EPA, up to 95% of New Mexico’s waters and 85% of its wetlands lost federal Clean Water Act protections. As one of only three states without its own water permitting program, these state-level ONRW protections are crucial for preserving water quality in our watersheds.
This landmark decision helps protect New Mexico’s centuries-old acequia systems, preserves critical habitat for the Rio Grande cutthroat trout (our state fish), and supports the state’s $3.2 billion outdoor recreation economy. The protected segments include some of New Mexico’s finest trout fishing streams and waters within state and national parks, wildlife refuges, and national monuments.
The designation is the third such effort approved under Governor Lujan Grisham’s administration, bringing the total protected stream miles to over 500. Importantly, these protections focus on water quality and do not impact existing water rights or land uses.
Read the full Oour NM Waters coalition press release celebrating the designation here.
