Today, the Water Quality Control Commission (WQCC) unanimously approved both Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW) petitions presented to it. These petitions called for the protection of the Upper Pecos Watershed, and portions of the Jemez, Hondo and Upper Rio Grande. ONRW is the most protective water quality designation under the federal Clean Water Act.
Thank you to everyone who signed our petitions! We submitted an amazing total of 1,747 signatures in support of these protections. Your activism makes a difference!
The WQCC held public hearings in April (Upper Pecos Watershed) and June (portions of the Jemez, Hondo and Upper Rio Grande). You can see a complete list of protected waters at Our New Mexico Waters. The petitions were supported by Tribal leaders and governments, community members, local governments, farmers, acequia members, water conservation groups, and outdoor recreationists.
This is a big win for New Mexico waterways! Outstanding Waters designation will support and protect existing community uses, such as ranching and farming, ensuring that clean water continues to flow downstream and protecting these traditional uses from new development and impacts. These waters are also important ecological resources that provide significant recreational opportunities such as fishing and rafting or paddling for local New Mexicans and visitors alike.
Send Thanks!
These water quality protections were supported by local ranchers, farmers, acequia parciantes, land grant heirs, Pueblo leaders, local governments, business owners, hunters, anglers, water conservation groups, and a wide variety of outdoor recreation enthusiasts.