H2O Challenges in New Mexico
New Mexico’s nickname, The Land of Enchantment, hints at the state’s scenic beauty and rich heritage. Located at the southern tip of the Rocky Mountains, this arid to semi-arid high desert land features big sky, many mountains over 11,000’, high plateaus and mesas. It has been home to humans since prehistoric times. But New Mexico is also a land of contrasts. It is the fifth largest state with the third or fourth longest river system in North America (the Rio Grande) – yet has the least surface water of all 50 U.S. states!
Average annual precipitation ranges from 9” in Albuquerque to about 20” in the highest mountain elevations. Today, over half the state’s population -- about 900,000 residents -- live in or near Albuquerque and Rio Rancho. Over the next 30 years, New Mexico’s population is projected to grow from 1.9 million to 2.7 million – with 70% of the future population growth expected to live in the Rio Grande Basin.
As populations have increased throughout the entire western U.S., competition for water resources has quickly followed. Drought and climate change add further stress to ground water and surface water supplies. At the same time, communities must meet rigorous federal and state requirements regarding surface water quality. In other words, both water conservation and water quality are now major issues for all New Mexicans.
How Outreach Helps Local Agencies Meet Their Bottom Line
Water resources planning -- including outreach programs for adults and youth -- is now a priority for local agencies to meet MS4 permitting and other requirements. As part of this effort, Experiential EE, LLC has helped organizations plan and carry out various components of their K-12 outreach programs including children’s water festivals, classroom presentations, RiverXchange, teacher professional development workshops, and a travelling water resources exhibit. We use creative strategies to develop, manage and assess high impact outreach projects.
New Mexico communities are striving to create and secure sustainable and clean water supplies, but it won’t happen unless the public is well informed about water resources issues. They need to understand the trade-offs that may face them in the future and potentially threaten their quality of life. Through fun, hands-on activities that always focus on positive thought processes and actions, Experiential EE’s outreach projects help young people understand that water is an essential and limited resource. Students learn about The Big Water Questions and must decide for themselves what they can do to protect local water resources.
2010 Albuquerque Bernalillo County Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report| Photo Gallery
2009 Albuquerque Bernalillo County Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report | Photo Gallery
2009 Rio Rancho Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report | Photo Gallery
2008 Albuquerque Bernalillo County Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report | Photo Gallery
2008 Rio Rancho Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report | Photo Gallery
2007 Albuquerque Bernalillo County Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report | Photo Gallery
2007 Rio Rancho Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report | Photo Gallery
2007 Santa Fe Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report
2006 Middle Rio Grande Children’s Water Festival
Annual Report
2006 Santa Fe Children’s Water Festival
Project Report
Report on Outcomes
