Effects of policies governing water reuse on agricultural crops
Date
2010
Authors
Pfeifer, Jeffrey, author
De Mouche, Leeann, author
Skaggs, Rhonda, author
Hanson, Adrian, author
U.S. Committee on Irrigation and Drainage, publisher
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Abstract
The state of New Mexico is located in the Chihuahuan Desert, an environment characterized by high aridity and a very limited water supply. New Mexico's water is supplied by both rivers and underground aquifers with the Rio Grande serving as the principle source of surface water throughout the state's central corridor. Recycled wastewater has been recognized as a promising source of "new" water throughout the world and in the arid western United States. However, recycled wastewater has yet to be exploited in New Mexico due to current regulations and technological limitations which make it infeasible to employ recycled water in agricultural uses. In order to meet future water needs, New Mexico needs to revise the distribution of testing responsibilities between producers and consumers of recycled water. Technology currently used to treat recycled water in the state also needs to be upgraded in order to guarantee its safe use on crops. New Mexico is in the process of increasing the efficiency of recycled water production and use but the state still needs more investment and regulatory changes in order to achieve sustainable and higher levels of wastewater reclamation. The use of recycled water for green space irrigation has increased in southern New Mexico. Clear evidence of this increasing trend is the recent construction of a wastewater reclamation facility on Las Cruces' East Mesa. The majority of the water treated at this facility, water which originates in the Jornada Aquifer, will be used for green space irrigation, and as a result will not end up being returned to the Rio Grande. Las Cruces, New Mexico's second largest city, has a rapidly growing population and diversifying economy, and is regularly included on lists of most desirable places to retire, livable small cities, etc. The objective of this paper is to describe the current water resource situation in southern New Mexico, compare and contrast New Mexico and California regulations regarding recycled water, and provide recommendations for improved recycled water regulations in New Mexico.
Description
Presented at Meeting irrigation demands in a water-challenged environment: SCADA and technology: tools to improve production: a USCID water management conference held on September 28 - October 1, 2010 in Fort Collins, Colorado.