SANTA FE - The New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission released its draft regional water planning guidelines and is inviting public input through August 31, 2026, as New Mexico faces one of its driest years on record.
The draft guidelines build on rules the Commission adopted in March 2026 and lay out how nine regional planning councils across the state will develop water security plans using available science and local data. The draft guidelines also identify potential funding opportunities.
"New Mexico urgently needs to prepare for and respond to diminishing water supply by putting water security plans into action," said New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission Director Hannah Riseley-White. "We want New Mexicans to weigh in now, while there is still an opportunity to help shape the evolution of the regional planning process."
"We are making ourselves available to the public throughout this process," said Sara Fox, senior water planner at the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission. "We continue to provide multiple opportunities for communities and individuals to share their input as we finalize the draft guidelines."
The public can review the draft guidelines and submit comments online at MainStreamNM.org/Get-Involved through August 31, 2026. Interstate Stream Commission staff will also host four virtual community conversations to answer questions regarding the draft guidelines:
Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026 - Lunch & Learn, 12-1:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026 - After Hours, 6-8 p.m.
Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026 - Lunch & Learn, 12-1:30 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 - After Hours, 6-8 p.m.
To stay informed on regional water planning, sign up for the Main Stream newsletter at MainStreamNM.org.
