For desert states like New Mexico, water is a valuable resource that powers our agricultural industry, our acequia culture and our taps in our homes. As a result, deciding how to best allocate this scarce resource is a challenge due to the various stakeholders all vying for its usage.  

That’s where the New Mexico Interstate Water Commission, part of the Office of the State Engineer, comes in. This organization has undertaken the task to plan and manage our water sources for the best chances and outcomes of long-term sustainability. Without its work, unfair water usage and depleted sources would be inevitable.  

Andrew Erdmann and Sara Fox, both planners with the New Mexico Interstate Water Commission, join “Conversations Different” to discuss the complexities of regional water planning, how enforcement of rules and regions are decided, and an upcoming public hearing focused on the Proposed Rule, a framework that would outline water planning processes across the state.  

For more information about the commission and to participate in the upcoming hearing, visit ose.nm.gov or mainstreamnm.org.  

The written public comment period for the Proposed Rule is now open and closes Sept. 27. The public hearing meeting will take place Oct.15-17 in Santa Fe at the Willie Ortiz Building on Cerrillos Road. View the public notice for more details.