The New Mexico Produced Water Research Consortium is expanding its statewide outreach efforts to help communities better understand produced water, water scarcity and the science shaping future water decisions in New Mexico. The Consortium is a collaborative effort between New Mexico State University and the New Mexico Environment Department.
"As water scarcity, drought resilience and economic development become increasingly important for New Mexico, communities are seeking clarity about the role that produced water research may play in future water strategies," said Rosa Muñoz, Consortium program operations director.
"We wanted to create a space where individuals from the communities could hear the state of the science on produced water and ask questions about what researchers are studying," said Zachary Stoll, Consortium assistant director.
The first Community Conversations event was held in Jal, New Mexico, Dec. 4, and was designed to engage local residents in open, science-based discussions about produced water. These conversations aim to create a space for community members to learn what current research shows about produced water.
"Events like this help to get all of the cards on the table so we can build a shared understanding of what the social and technical challenges are, what the science says and what are options are," Stoll said.
Future events will include Community Conversations, workshops and informational sessions tailored to regional concerns. In addition to in-person events, the Consortium hosts a free monthly webinar open to the public and has guest speakers on the TORO Water podcast, The Water Zone. Recordings are posted online, along with research updates and educational materials. The Consortium also will host its annual meeting Jan. 13-14 at NMSU and will provide updates on the most recent cutting edge produced water research.
The next free public community forum will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 8, at the Carousel House at the Pecos River Conference Center in Carlsbad, New Mexico. The forum will provide clear, science-based information about produced water — addressing where it comes from, how it can be safely treated and what potential reuse options may exist in the future — while serving as a call to action for residents to engage, ask questions and help shape informed, community-driven dialogue about local water and environmental decisions. The event is hosted by the Consortium in partnership with the City of Carlsbad and in collaboration with local and regional partners from multiple sectors, ensuring a balanced, informative and community-focused discussion.
As New Mexico faces increasing water constraints driven by prolonged drought, declining aquifers and legal obligations that limit the amount of freshwater available for local use, the Consortium is working to share its experience and expertise. Together, these challenges are forcing communities to reexamine how water is managed and to explore a range of science-based solutions to meet future needs.
"These efforts were inspired by a statewide need for transparent, science-based information about produced water treatment and reuse," Muñoz said.
Materials are being developed to make complex research accessible and experts are working alongside local governments, colleges and community organizations in Carlsbad, Farmington, Hobbs, Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Silver City and Gallup.
To stay informed and register for upcoming events, visit www.nmpwrc.nmsu.edu.
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nm-produced-water-research-consortium-at-nmsu-expands-community-education--outreach/s/8b1038a5-154d-4ad5-8dfc-0755c9a5b0b3
