Water Subcommittee

Because transboundary groundwater aquifers are the only source of drinking water for border communities in this region, groundwater depletion and water quality are major community concerns. In many communities in the Rural Task Force region, water quality standards are exceeded for arsenic, fluoride and radionuclides due to erosion of mineral deposits. Adverse health effects can occur from drinking water with concentrations of these contaminants above safe levels.

Rural Task Force participants have also identified water supply as a priority. The region shares five transboundary aquifers that provide water for domestic, agricultural and industrial use to communities on both sides of the border. Because this is an arid region, the aquifers receive minimal recharge. Drought conditions have further reduced the amount of recharge to groundwater. The groundwater table is declining in many areas as withdrawals from increasing population and water demand exceed recharge. Binational cooperation is necessary to ensure a safe and reliable water supply in the future.

The Rural Task Force established a Water Subcommittee to work on water quality and quantity issues in this region of the border. The Water Subcommittee has focused much of its work on the Mimbres Basin Aquifer which is the transboundary groundwater source for the sister cities of Columbus and Palomas.

Goals/Objectives

To improve water quality and promote binational water management strategies for transboundary aquifers in the Task Force region.

Objective 1: Collect and map data for assessment water quality and water quantity

Objective 2: Establish binational dialogue for discussion of water issue

Objective 3: Educate communities and water users on water quality and quantity issues and water conservation

Objective 4: Promote transboundary groundwater management strategies

Objective 5: Implement projects to improve water quality

Strategies/Actions

Projects by Objective

Objective 1: Mimbres Basin GIS Mapping Tool

Objective 2: Binational Mimbres Water Dialogue

Objective 3: Mimbres Road Map

Objective 4: Feasibility study of constructed and natural wetlands for wastewater treatment and wildlife habitat

Eco-Vida (Campaña de Información Pública y Concientización)