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With drought conditions being some of the worst in living memory it is understandable to be concerned about the future of water resources and climate in New Mexico. At the direction of the Governor, the Interstate Stream Commission is leading a collaborative effort to develop a 50 Year Water Plan for New Mexico. It has initiated Phase 3 of the planning process. The primary purpose of this phase is public outreach and education covering how predicted climate change is likely to impact water resources in the decades ahead.
To accomplish this outreach, a Water and Climate Science Advisory Team, composed of eight New Mexican research scientists, was established to provide a Leap Ahead Assessment. These scientists, all experts in their fields, will be presenting nine online webinars that are open to the public. Topics of interest include predicted temperature rise, ecological change, precipitation change, and resulting impacts to our surface and groundwater resources. A more detailed summary of these webinars is listed below.
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August 3rd, 2021 at 2pm: Projected Climate Change through 2070 – Dr. Dave DuBois
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August 5th, 2021 at 3pm: Landscape Change, Erosion, Sediment budget in Fluvial systems – Anne Tillery
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August 9th, 2021 at 2pm: Soil Landscapes – Dr. Leslie McFadden
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August 11th, 2021 at 2pm: Extreme Precipitation – Dr. Bruce M. Thomson
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August 13th, 2021 at 2pm: Ecological Dynamics – Dr. Craig D. Allen
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August 17th, 2021 at 2pm: Water Quality – Dr. Bruce M. Thomson
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August 19th, 2021 at 2pm: Impacts on Hydrological Processes – Dr. Fred Phillips
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August 26th, 2021 at 2pm: Surface and Groundwater – Dr. J. Phillip King
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August 30th, 2021 at 2pm: Overview of Regional Differences, Summary -Kristin Pearthree
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September 1st, 2021 at 2 pm: Resiliency Assessment Information Forum - NMISC
Although the webinars are presented live, links to recordings of these webinars can be reviewed on the Office of the State Engineer website calendar of events (https://www.ose.state.nm.us/Planning/50YWP/calendar.php).
Tracking and managing your water use can assist you in conserving water, which is especially important during a drought. Smart water monitors provide real-time water usage data to your smartphone. They provide a detailed picture of how your household uses water by reporting water usage by plumbing fixture type. They also notify you if a leak is detected anywhere in your home. Smart water monitors are especially useful tools for private well owners who do not have water meters.
The Bernalillo County Water Conservation Program is currently offering a Smart Water Monitor Pilot Program. You can receive either a Flume Smart Home Water Monitor or a Phyn Smart Water Assistant for $25, in exchange for feedback on the device. The pilot program is offering 100 smart water monitors on a first-come, first-served basis through September 30, 2021. Bernalillo County residents who are not connected to the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority water system are eligible. To learn more about the Smart Water Monitor Pilot Program, as well as Bernalillo County’s other water conservation incentive programs, please visit our Water Conservation Incentive Programs web page.
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