Water Resiliency Bill Passes House Floor
Senate Bill 1 would improve water resilience by allowing smaller water systems to join together
Santa Fe, NM - Senate Bill 1, establishing the Regional Water Systems Resiliency Act, passed the House of Representatives today with a vote of 46-22.
The legislation would allow two or more public utility entities who provide water or wastewater services to voluntarily consolidate into one regional water district, helping them reach economies of scale, professionalize their offices, and address issues with aging infrastructure. Previously, such mergers could only be authorized through individual legislation.
“Water issues are one of my top priorities this year, and I am thrilled that our regionalization bill passed the House today. Climate change, drought, and fires have severely impacted the many aging water systems across New Mexico," said lead sponsor Senate Majority Leader Peter Wirth (D-Santa Fe). “This measure will help water entities come together if they choose to and share resources, enjoy the benefits economies of scale can give them, and update their infrastructure in a way that will better meet our 21st century water needs.”
“Water is a rare and precious resource in New Mexico, yet many of our water systems are run by volunteers and serve an unsustainably small number of households,” said bill sponsor Rep. Susan Herrera (D-Embudo). “Senate Bill 1 will improve our water resiliency by allowing these groups to more easily merge into larger entities so they can bring in enough revenue to better protect the quality of the water New Mexicans are drinking and using in their homes.”
The bill is also sponsored by Senator Elizabeth "Liz" Stefanics (D-Cerillos).
The Roundhouse is open to the public for the 2023 session. Members of the public can also view floor sessions and committee meetings on the New Mexico Legislature’s Webcasts tab, and provide comment via phone or Zoom as directed on the daily schedule.
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